ANYONE who misused a disabled parking badge could soon have their collar felt by Southend Council’s fraud team.

Blue Badge abusers will be targeted in a day-long operation in the town later this month in a bid to raise awareness of the growing problem of Blue Badge misuse.

Together with Essex Police and the Council’s parking contractors APCOA, members of the team will be carrying out spot checks on motorists using the badges.

Anyone found to be misusing a badge or displaying a forged one could be liable for a substantial fine and a criminal record in addition to an on-the-spot penalty.

Anyone in possession of a badge they no longer need or are not entitled to should hand it in or post it to the Civic Centre in Victoria Avenue.