New Blue Badge Crackdown Hits Old Trafford on Matchdays
Trafford Council has launched a tough new blitz on Blue Badge abuse around Old Trafford during football matches. Inspectors are on high alert for fraudulent badges—some are blatantly fake, expired, or even issued to deceased individuals.
Who Can Claim a Blue Badge?
- Anyone with a registered disability automatically qualifies.
- Carers of seriously ill children and those with mobility issues can also apply.
- Badges are valid for three years before renewal is needed.
- They grant priority parking near venues—disabled bays, some yellow lines, and sometimes free parking.
£70 Fines Crack Down on Badge Cheats
The crackdown forms part of a broader fight against illegal and selfish parking in Trafford, especially on matchdays. Civil Enforcement Officers are handing out £70 fines to rule breakers. Council chiefs are urging fans to ditch their cars and travel by public transport instead.
Protecting the Vulnerable Is Priority One
“Our priority is to keep the roads safe for everyone, whatever mode of travel they use to get to the game, or anywhere else. Blue Badge misuse is unfair to vulnerable residents and can compromise people’s independence and ability to go about their daily activities. We want to make sure that places to park for people with disabilities or impairments are available to those with valid Blue Badges, who legitimately need them.” – Cllr Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council Executive Member for Highways, Environmental and Traded Services
Illegitimate parking doesn’t just annoy, it causes real hazards—blocking emergency routes, causing jams, damaging kerbs, and putting pedestrians at risk. Trafford Council pledges to keep the clampdown going until only genuine Blue Badge holders get the spotlights they deserve.
