TIME is running out to hand in blue badges that are being used illegally to park in disabled bays to avoid parking charges.

Warrington Borough Council has been running a month-long amnesty in a bid to crackdown on the illegal use across the town.

Permits can be handed in to Contact Warrington on Horsemarket Street until Friday. 

Those who continue to misuse blue badges risk being hit with a large fine and criminal record.

Dave Thompson, founder and chief executive of Warrington Disability Partnership, said: “The biggest issue is that people fraudulently use blue badges when they have no real need and this feeds the negative stereotype around their use. 

"I’m afraid to say that the first thing that many people think when they see someone parked in a disabled bay, is whether or not they really are disabled."

Cllr Russ Bowden, executive board member for corporate finance, added: “Others will be aware that what they are doing is illegal. My message to them is that - if you fail to hand your badge in before the end of the amnesty we will be taking action against you.”

If you would like to report the misuse of a blue badge visit warrington.gov.uk/bluebadges.