A “selfish” motorist who used a stolen blue badge in his car has been handed a hefty fine.

Jason Carr was one of three people falsely using the disability badge while parking – with the trio having to pay more than £7,400 as a result of the offences.

Carr, of Bricklayers Way, Chatham, pleaded guilty to using the stolen blue badge in Bexley when he appeared at Bexley Magistrates’ Court in October.

Farida Khan, of Messeter Place, Eltham, also pleaded guilty to two separate offences of displaying a badge that had been cancelled after the death of the holder.

Muhammad Khan, of Watling Street, Bexleyheath, pleaded guilty to four separate offences of displaying a badge that had been cancelled after being reported as lost.

In all three cases, the drivers displayed the badges to take advantage of parking concessions they were not entitled to.

Only people who have a physical or non-physical disability affecting their mobility are eligible for a blue badge.

‘Such selfish and dishonest actions are known to impact on the availability of parking spaces for disabled residents and visitors...’

Councillor Richard Diment, Bexley's cabinet member for places, said: “Justice has been rightfully served to the individuals who knowingly abused a scheme in place for those with genuine needs.

“Such selfish and dishonest actions are known to impact on the availability of parking spaces for disabled residents and visitors.

“It is crucial therefore that we continue to protect the blue badge scheme to ensure that genuine users can park within a manageable distance of their destination and rightfully go about their business.

“Anyone who takes the risk of displaying a cancelled badge should be warned that our officers are actively checking the status of every single badge they come across, in real time, while on duty around the borough.

“In circumstances where a cancelled badge is displayed, an investigation will always follow which will more than likely lead to prosecution and all the associated unsavoury consequences. I sincerely hope that the level of fines issued to these latest offenders will serve as a deterrent.”