Having read your recent article about a particular clamping firm (The Argus, March 21), I must put the record straight on blue badge parking regulations. I am the East Sussex area representative for the Blue Badge Network. On September 29, 2006, the blue badge scheme was tightened to make it more difficult for the system to be abused.

Now a badge holder can be fined if their badge is not displayed properly, meaning only the side with the council-registered number and the wheelchair symbol should be displayed. The whole badge must be visible and not be faded, so it can be easily read on the dashboard of the vehicle through the windscreen.

A spot check can be made upon the badge and badge holder at any time by an authorised person, which can be a police officer, traffic warden, parking attendant or local authority personnel.

A fine of up to £1,000 can be imposed if these rules are broken and the badge can be taken away for constant misuse.

These rules have been changed because badges have been stolen in the past or used by someone other than the registered person.

A booklet entitled The Blue Badge Scheme can be obtained from the Department for Transport, product code TINF 1118.

Do not let someone else use your badge or you could lose it for ever.

  • Robert F Cooper, Midhurst Road, Hampden Park, Eastbourne