Thanks to a crackdown on the illegal use of blue badges on match days, genuine blue badge holders now have plenty of space to park at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.
Islington Council in partnership with the Metropolitan Police and Arsenal FC started a campaign last month to stop the abuse of blue badges on match days.
The new Arsenal Emirates stadium has over 100 dedicated disabled spaces underneath the stadium for exclusive use of mobility impaired supporters. Thanks to the publicity surrounding the abuse of blue badges, there are now 74 reserved spaces for the next match, where previously there had only been around 30 spaces reserved each match.
Cllr Lucy Watt, Executive Member for Environment, said "People often tell me that they are concerned about blue badge fraud. Those abusing the system are taking away spaces from those who really need it. We are cracking down on it and are already seeing results.
We want to help disabled drivers and genuine blue badge users and I'm pleased they are making use of the dedicated disabled parking bays right underneath the stadium".
The council's blue badge fraud team will continue to patrol on match days and the mobile CCTV van will be undertaking blue badge enforcement for the next game.
Blue badge users can reserve a space under the stadium by contacting Arsenal FC's Disability Liaison Officer at: disability@arsenal.co.uk.
Anyone found guilty of misuse of a blue badge could face a fine of up to £1,000 for each offence, have their car impounded, lose their driving licence, or receive community service or even a custodial sentence.
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Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008