PARKING OFFICER DISMISSED FOR USING DEAD MOTHER'S BLUE BADGE

Dinesh Patel, a senior parking officer with 20 years' experience at the London Borough of Harrow, was dismissed after being found to have displayed his deceased mother's blue badge in his vehicle to avoid parking charges whilst shopping. An employment tribunal heard that Mr Patel, who held the rank of Senior Civil Enforcement Officer, breached the regulations he was professionally responsible for enforcing. He was issued a Penalty Charge Notice on 20 September 2021 and subsequently pleaded guilty at magistrates' court to wrongful use of a disabled person's badge, receiving a fine in May 2022. Mr Patel described his actions as a "silly mistake" during his disciplinary hearing.

Mr Patel's role included monitoring, reporting and enforcing misuse of disabled blue badges and giving evidence in court regarding breaches of the regulations. His mother had held a valid blue badge from August 2018 to August 2021 before her death three months prior to its expiry. Mr Patel claimed that his aunt was present in the vehicle and had displayed the badge after he left to shop, and that he was uncertain whether payment was required during the Covid period. His manager, Gary Cooley, initiated disciplinary proceedings after becoming aware of the offence.

The council determined that Mr Patel had committed gross misconduct and dismissed him on the grounds that he "should be leading by example" given his professional standing. Employment Judge Nathaniel Caiden rejected Mr Patel's unfair dismissal claim, ruling that his extensive experience meant he was fully aware of the regulations he had breached. The tribunal's decision concluded the matter without directing further action by either party.