Bradford Council has joined Leeds in appealing for the public to help cut out the abuse of disabled parking badges.

Leeds City Council revealed in September that abuse of the blue badge scheme was costing taxpayers £500,000.

The authority also warned anyone within its area, which includes Horsforth, Aireborough and Wharfedale, that false use of a badge could lead to prosecution and a fine – and urged the public to report any known instances of abuse.

Now Bradford Council, which has authority over Ilkley, Menston and Burley-in-Wharfedale, is taking a similarly tough stance.

Council leader councillor Ian Greenwood said: “We are aware that people are abusing the system. We are working across the council and with other councils to reduce the problem.

“Penalties, fines and prosecutions will form part of the robust measures for people who are abusing the scheme.”

The blue badge scheme is designed to help people with certain disabilities park closer to their destination.

Anyone who is sent a blue badge also receives an information booklet which clarifies the rules on how it should be used.

Martin Stubbs, assistant director of Bradford Council’s revenues and benefits service, said: “If you know anyone who is misusing the scheme, for example, by using an out-of-date, copied or forged badge, we would like to hear from you.

“The counter fraud team can be contacted by people who suspect someone of misusing the scheme in confidence on 0800 1697451.”

At the end of last month, John Mawdesley, of Bradford Older People’s Alliance, said people who genuinely needed disabled parking bays felt “aggrieved” when they saw able-bodied people blocking blue badge spaces.

Mr Mawdesley, whose wife is disabled and has a blue badge, urged action to counter the growing misuse of the scheme.

His calls were backed by Paul Anderson, wheelchair-bound member of Bradford’s strategic disability partnership, who often has trouble parking in designated bays when he visits his bank in Keighley.

For details about the scheme and how to apply for a blue badge, call Bradford Council’s transport concessions team on 01274 438723 or complete an application form at one of the council’s customer services centres.

Leeds City Council, meanwhile, is asking anyone who knows of blue badges being used dishonestly to report it by calling 0113 247 4645 or emailing concerns@leeds.gov.uk.

As many details as possible, including the badge’s serial number and the vehicle’s colour, make and registration plate, should be provided.

HOW THE SCHEME WORKS

* The blue badge scheme is to help people with certain disabilities park closer to their destination, as a passenger or driver

* It provides parking concessions for people who have severe difficulties with walking, people who drive their own vehicle and have a severe disability in both upper arms and people who are registered blind

* The scheme is governed by national eligibility criteria set out by the Department for Transport

* Local authorities are required to re-assess applicants every time their badge expires

* Under the national scheme, people will not qualify for a badge if they have an intermittent or temporary disability