A retired detective inspector wants anyone abusing blue-badge parking to "end up in a police cell".

Ashley Clark, who is now the cabinet member for enforcement at Canterbury City Council, says he has no sympathy for those caught misusing the disability permit scheme.

The outspoken councillor made the remarks after a crackdown operation identified potential fraudsters.

“Blue-badge fraud is not clever,” he said.

“It is dishonest and I have absolutely no sympathy for offenders when they are caught in crackdowns such as these.

“I hope abusers of the scheme end up in a police cell and have to pay a visit to the magistrates’ court, particularly where there is evidence of forgery or where the badge has been stolen.”

The recent two-day crackdown in Canterbury was a joint operation between city council officers and Kent County Council’s counter-fraud team.

Seventy blue badge permits were inspected, with two found to be being misused.

Investigations will now take place, with those abusing the scheme facing fines of up to £1,000.

Clair Bell, KCC’s cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said this week: “The blue badge scheme is there to support vulnerable people in maintaining independence and access to services.

“Abusing the scheme by using badges not belonging to you, deceased people’s badges and stolen badges for personal gain is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

The number of blue badges in Kent has increased since a change in the eligibility criteria to include people with "hidden disabilities" such as dementia, autism and a number of mental health conditions.