A major crackdown on drivers using stolen disabled badges is being launched.

Police and parking attendants are patrolling from Monday to look for drivers using stolen badges and able-bodied drivers parking in disabled spaces.

One in five thefts from parked cars in Brighton and Hove involve theft of a 'blue badge', which entitles drivers to park in the hundreds of disabled spaces around the city.

The week-long crackdown, dubbed Operation Bluebird, is being run by Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove City Council.

Able-bodied drivers using disabled badges to use spaces face prosecution and fines of up to £1,000.

Police are pledging to use powers to tow away cars displaying stolen badges.

Posters are being put up around the city to warn people not to abuse the system.

Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, chairman of the council's environment committee, said: "Blue badges are vital for disabled drivers, helping them to get out and about more easily by enabling them to park close to their destination.

"But fraudulent use of the badges is a problem - we want to put a stop to this and make sure disabled parking is available for those who really need it."

Problems are caused by people using stolen badges and able-bodied drivers 'borrowing' badges from relatives and friends.

Inspector Jane Derrick of Sussex Police said: "Annually, theft of blue badges represents around one in five of all thefts from unattended vehicles.

"Combine this with people using the badges fraudulently and it means that the number of available spaces left for those who genuinely need them is greatly reduced.

"It is also a criminal offence to use a blue badge fraudulently and we will bring those who abuse the system before the courts."

Karen Coley, a member of the Brighton and Hove Disabled Access Advisory Group, said: "The misuse of blue badges is a thoughtless and shameful activity.

"Disabled people often need wider spaces to enable access into and out of their cars and, if they have mobility difficulties, they need to be parked closer to shops and so on.

"I welcome the clampdown as this might make the abusers think twice."

For more information about disabled parking, or to report a lost badge, contact Brighton Parking Information Centre on 01273 293225 or Hove Parking Information Centre on 01273 296622.

Anyone with information about fraudulent use of a disabled badge can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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