Drivers found to be fraudulently using blue badges across Bucks could face a £1,000 fine, the county council has warned.

Bucks County Council (BCC) launched a scheme over summer aiming to catch unscrupulous drivers abusing the blue badges– which allow people with disabilities to park closer to their destination.

Now those found to be misusing a blue badge could have the document confiscated, face prosecution and be slapped with a large fine.

Examples of "common misuse" include using a badge which belonged to someone who has died, invalid badges, or badges which have been reported as lost or stolen.

Allowing a friend or relative to use the document or using a fake or copied badge could also lead to prosecution, according to the county council.

Cabinet member for resources at BCC, John Chilver, said it is “abhorrent” to think that some drivers abuse a system designed to help people with disabilities.

He said: “It's shocking that people stoop to this level.

"But reports are increasing and it's time for us to clamp down on this clear and blatant fraud to safeguard genuine blue badge holders.

"My advice to anyone who knows they are misusing a badge is to stop doing it now before they are caught.

“We will be carrying out more checks than ever before, so I make no apology when I say people have been warned."

For more information about blue badges and how to report misuse visit https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/transport-and-roads/blue-badge/