AN ABLE-BODIED motorist who illegally used a disabled person's parking space to save himself time faces a £507 court bill.

York magistrates heard that Michael Alan Rogers, 50, displayed his son's blue badge when he parked on Tower Street on December 5 just outside Castle car park.

But his son was not with him and he was therefore using the disabled parking space illegally.

Rogers, of Main Road, Hambleton, Selby, pleaded guilty to fraudulent use of a blue badge.

He was fined £105 and must also pay £372 towards the costs of City of York Council who prosecuted him, and a £30 statutory surcharge.

He told the court he had been running late for an appointment to get his hair cut so made the "stupid mistake" of driving into the city centre and committing the offence instead of his normal practice of using the Park & Ride service.

Cllr Helen Douglas, executive member with responsibility for fraud, said: “Blue Badge fraud is not a victimless crime and deprives disabled people in genuine need of a parking space the increased ease of access that they require.

“City of York Council will not hesitate to take strong action against people misusing blue badges. We encourage anyone with any information on fraudulent activity to phone the fraud hotline on 0800 9179 247 or email fraud@york.gov.uk .”

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