TWO residents have been fined after abusing the blue disabled badge scheme, including displaying it without the holder being present.

Warrington Magistrates' Court heard two cases last week in which the individuals were ordered to pay a total of almost £800.

Khurshid Mahmood, 54, of Folly Lane, Bewsey, was charged and pleaded guilty to parking on double yellow lines, without the blue badge holder being present.

The court fined him £66 and he was also required to pay a contribution of costs for £150 and a victim surcharge of £30.

Elaine Bowerman, 54, of Secker Avenue, Latchford, was found guilty displaying an expired disabled blue badge in her absence.

The badge expired in 2015.

She was fined £220 by the court, and required to pay a contribution of costs of £300 and a victim surcharge of £30.

Council leader, Cllr Russ Bowden said: "This is another example that shows fraudulent activity doesn’t pay.

"The blue badge scheme allows disabled motorists or passengers to park legally near to places they need to visit.

"Abuse of the blue badge scheme is unacceptable.

"It is the responsibility of all using a blue disabled badge, whether for themselves or their passenger, to ensure it is used properly in line with the scheme’s conditions and to renew the badge when required."

For blue badge applications, reporting misuse of a blue badge and more information about the scheme, visit the council website.