Lambeth was among the top London boroughs for Blue Badge fines in 2020.

The borough was second in line with a total of 2,963 PCNs for badge offences throughout the year, being topped by Barking and Dagenham which totalled 3,714.

USwitch analysed Freedom of Information requests to councils to get the results.

Blue badge offences include the use of an invalid badge, the use of a badge by an unauthorised person, the use of a lost or stolen badge or parking in a disabled by without clearly displaying a Blue Badge.

The London Borough of Barnet was third with 2,907 offences, and the rest ranked as follows:

Redbridge – 2,804 offences

Haringey – 2,791 offences

Hillingdon – 2,776 offences

Brent – 2,663 offences

Westminster – 2,181 offences

Southwark – 2,133 offences

Nationally, the top five council areas in the UK with the most blue badge related PCNs in 2020 were Milton Keynes (5,962), Manchester (5,799), Leeds (4,573), Birmingham (4,069) and Colchester (3,879).

Joel Kempson, car insurance expert at Uswitch.com said: “The Blue Badge scheme was introduced by the Government to help those with mobility issues park close to where they need to go.

“This includes allowing drivers to park on yellow lines for up to three hours, on the street for free where there are parking metres or in designated disabled spaces. “Drivers who abuse the Blue Badge policy could face a fine of up to £1,000.

“Yet despite the risk of hefty penalties, it’s clear the law is disregarded by many motorists risking large fines to park for free or closer to their destination.

“Policies are enforced by the local council in each area. Milton Keynes Council were the most effective enforcers, issuing over 5,900 fines, the highest amount of penalties in the UK.

“If you are disabled, it is important to state this in your car insurance application, as failing to inform your insurance provider could result in your cover becoming invalidated.

“We also recommend speaking to your insurance provider to ensure your plan adequately covers your specific needs.”