Enfield Council has successfully prosecuted two men in court in two separate cases of Blue Badge misuse. The Council has been working proactively to identify and prosecute people who misuse Blue Badges in the borough. Awat Piroti from Enfield (EN3 postcode area) and David Knott from Palmers Green (N13) attended Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on 22 January 2026.
Both pleaded guilty and admitted to using Blue Badges that did not belong to them in their respective cases. The offences occurred in Lodge Drive Car Park in Palmers Green (N13) on 3 June 2025 and 11 June 2025 respectively.
Their vehicles were removed and towed to the council’s Crown Road Vehicle Park (the pound) where Piroti and Knott had to pay a release fee.
Investigations by the Council identified that the Blue Badge used by Awat Piroti was stolen. He admitted to finding the badge and placing it on his dashboard for ‘safe keeping’, intending to return it. He denied knowing it was stolen or using it to obtain free parking.
The badge displayed by David Knott did not belong to him and had previously been reported as lost by the holder and subsequently cancelled.
The judge ordered that both men received a fine of £200, plus an £80 victim surcharge, and a £300 contribution towards prosecution costs, totalling £580 each.
Cllr Rick Jewell, Cabinet Member for Transport and Waste at Enfield Council, said: “I’m often contacted by our residents who tell me they have suspicions that Blue Badges are not being used by the persons they were issued to.
“Misusing a Blue Badge is fraud and is not a victimless crime. People are selfishly taking accessible parking spaces that are meant for people in real need. We will continue to clamp down on this illegal behaviour and bring people who misuse Blue Badges to justice.
“I would actively encourage residents to report any concerns they have relating to Blue Badge misuse to the council, so we can investigate and take the appropriate action.”
Blue Badges help people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination.
It is a crime to use an expired, cancelled, stolen, fake or altered Blue Badge. It is also an offence for a holder to give their badge to someone else when they are not with the vehicle.
People found to be misusing Blue Badges can be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000 or have their badge taken away.
Residents are advised to report the misuse of a Blue Badge by emailing: enfield@bbfi.org.uk
For further information on Blue Badges visit: https://www.enfield.gov.uk/services/parking/disabled-persons-parking-permits