A DARTON woman has been prosecuted for the misuse of a blue badge in the town centre.

Jayne Chapman, 52, of Lansdowne Crescent, pleaded guilty on Monday.

She was parked in a disabled bay on Wellington Street in the town centre without the badge holder being present.

Charges were brought under the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 - Chapman was fined £293 and ordered to pay additional costs of £220 and a victim’s surcharge of £34, a total of £547.

Coun Alan Gardiner, cabinet spokesperson for core services, added: “Blue badges are vital for people with mobility problems, giving them the ability to go about their daily lives.

“Many blue badge holders use their badges legitimately, but a minority misuse them for their own benefit.

“This means that there are fewer disabled parking bays available for those who really need them.

“These convictions send a clear message to people of the consequences for misusing a blue badge.

“It’s a criminal offence that could result in a fine of £1,000 and confiscation of the badge.

“Our team will continue to investigate all fraudulent use of blue badges and wherever appropriate will submit cases for prosecution.”