The council has prosecuted two drivers who displayed blue badges in their windscreen when the blue badge holders were not present.

Hertsmere Borough Council hopes the fines issued to the two people will deter others from doing the same.

The council says on November 19 last year, its civil enforcement officers were on patrol and noticed a blue badge on a vehicle which was parked on double yellow lines in Clarendon Road, Borehamwood.

The driver, Martin Vine, of Borehamwood, was challenged by the officers and the council says he admitted the badge was not his and that it belonged to his wife, who was at home.

He apologised for using the badge incorrectly but the council took Vine to court.

On Wednesday (September 2), Vine pleaded guilty to wrongful use of a disabled badge, contrary to the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984, Section 117.

He was fined £230, ordered to pay costs totalling £465.60 and a victim surcharge of £32.

On the same day, Heyrettin Yusein, of Green Lanes, Haringey, was also in court.

The council says on January 14 this year, Yusein parked his vehicle in a residential permit parking bay in Hill Crest, Potters Bar, while displaying a blue badge.

Civil enforcement officers challenged Yusein who admitted the badge belonged to a friend who was in Camden Town.

An investigation by the shared anti-fraud service in partnership with the council, revealed the badge had been reported lost some time ago and Yusein was not entitled to use it.

In court, Yusein pleaded guilty to the same offence as Vine.

He was fined £161, ordered to pay costs totalling £535 and pay a victim surcharge of £32.

Councillor Jean Heywood, Portfolio Holder for Transport, said: "It is a criminal offence for a person to wrongfully use a disabled parking badge. Blue badge fraud is selfish and unacceptable.

"The blue badge scheme is in place to help those who are unable to walk for long distances park in a convenient location to their destination. Misusing the badge not only is illegal, it’s taking up parking space for people who really need it.

"I’m pleased that these cases have been dealt with and those responsible have been fined. They will hopefully act as a deterrent and show those who may be tempted that it’s just not worth the risk."