Thefts of blue badges from vulnerable motorists have fallen by a quarter.

Brighton and Hove City Council joined forces with Sussex Police and civil enforcement officers from NSL last year to limit the number of permits taken from disabled holders.

It meant all parking wardens could check whether a badge had been reported as lost, stolen or belonging to a deceased disabled badge holder on their handheld computers.

Police then investigate all reports relating to stolen or fraudulent blue badges and have dealt with a significant number of suspects for these offences.

Following confirmation of a dramatic 25% drop, the local authority has said it will roll out the scheme on a permanent basis.

Transport cabinet member, Ian Davey, said: “Those who steal blue badges are taking disabled bays away from those who genuinely need them.

“It is vital that disabled people can park close to where they want to go so that they can access the city and be as independent as the rest of us.”

Last year, officials identified 118 lost or stolen badges and passed the cases to Sussex Police to investigate. This included 57 badges reported as stolen.

Inspector Jason Hazzard, of Sussex Police, said: “The theft of blue badges causes a huge amount of distress to victims.

“People who buy stolen badges need to know that it’s going to cost them a lot more in the long run and with this process in place they will be caught sooner or later.”