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Drivers who flout key traffic laws are facing criminal convictions and substantial fines as part of a strict enforcement drive by Croydon Council. The council has secured multiple convictions against motorists who misused Blue Badges, resulting in criminal records and financial penalties.
Seven drivers were recently sentenced at Croydon Magistrates’ Court and collectively ordered to pay close to £6,000 in fines, court costs and victim surcharges. Each offender now has a criminal record as a direct consequence of abusing the Blue Badge scheme.
Among those convicted, Shantana Hines of Loampit Vale, London, was fined £732 for using a badge while the rightful holder was not present. Ngabo Bugimbi of White Lodge Close, Sutton, was ordered to pay £1,040 after being caught using a badge that was not his while visiting his workplace. Hamid Ghani of Briar Avenue, London, received a £1,180 penalty for using a stolen badge.
Lavonica Latifat Steele Egbonwon of Cairo New Road, Croydon, was fined £440 for using a badge that did not belong to her. Paige Sheldon Gordon of Whitehorse Lane, Croydon, was ordered to pay £1,120 after being found guilty of using a counterfeit badge. Aiaz Khan of Onslow Gardens, Wallington, admitted using another person’s badge and was fined £540. Wellington Wilson of Warbank Crescent, Croydon, was ordered to pay £760 after being caught using a stolen badge.
Commenting on the cases, Croydon’s Executive Mayor Jason Perry said the convictions demonstrate the council’s commitment to tackling Blue Badge fraud. He stressed that such abuse disadvantages residents with mobility needs and will not be tolerated, warning that offenders can expect strong enforcement, significant fines and criminal convictions. He added that the council’s zero-tolerance stance on antisocial behaviour will continue, and further prosecutions are expected.
