Caught blue-handed: Clamping down on badge scheme abusers in Oxfordshire

They're a lifeline for many - providing mobility, independence and access to the local community. Yet, the blue badge scheme continues to be abused.

Last year, 18 were revoked in Oxfordshire due to misuse and nearly 2,200 people fined.

Watch Cary Johnston's report. He's been in Oxford with the team who are cracking down on the problem:

Finding a free disabled bay can be a daily necessity for people with mobility issues.

However, to discover that the space has been taken by a non-badge holder, or by someone using the blue badge in a fraudulent way, can be more than just infuriating.

The Council were out in force in Oxford looking for out of date badges, but it wasn't long before they discovered a van with no badge at all.

After a verbal warning, the driver quickly moved on.

Council officers were also keen to re-assure law-abiding drivers.

Before today's clampdown, the council conducted an amnesty for people to hand in invalid badges like this one.

They collected more than 200.

Scott Warner, Oxford City Council:

Over the length of this week's crackdown, more than a thousand badges were checked across Oxfordshire.

Using a Blue Badge illegally can result in a fine of up to £1000.

It's hoped that will be a sufficient deterrent in the continuing fight to make life a little easier for those who need it most.