Gordon Catchlove’s job title is a mouthful
Gordon Catchlove’s job title is a mouthful – he’s the Council’s parking fraud prevention officer.
That means he patrols Edinburgh’s streets, looking for motorists who are using counterfeit Blue Badges (parking permits for disabled people) or using residents’ parking permits falsely.
Outlook talks to him about Blue Badge fraud.
• What did you do before you worked for the Council?
“I served in the British army for 22 years as a police officer. I served all over the world – in Europe, North America, Cyprus and the Falklands.”
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• What’s the biggest misconception people have about Blue Badges?
“People think Blue Badges are only for severely disabled people and are confused if people with them don’t appear disabled. But they could have hidden disabilities, like heart defects or cancer.”
• How prevalent do you think Blue Badge fraud is?
“It’s hard to say, but I get about a phone call a day from people who suspect Blue Badge fraud. On George Street, I would say many badges are used by people who aren’t disabled.”
• What do you think about people who fake Blue Badges?
“People who fake Blue Badges are disrespectful, inconsiderate and antisocial. At the very least, they’re perhaps ignorant and haven’t thought of the importance of a Blue Badge for disabled people. Blue Badge holders need special access to parking spaces to get to work, shops and social activities.”
• What would you say the main goal of your job is?
“To give back parking spaces to legitimate Blue Badge holders. We can do this by prosecuting those who use badges fraudulently. This will make an example of people and hopefully act as a warning to others and reduce permit fraud.”
• What’s the worst fake Blue Badge you’ve seen so far?
“I haven’t seen a good one yet. I’m not telling you how, but I can tell right away when they’re fake.”
• What do you hope you can accomplish in your job?
“I hope I can make a difference to disabled people. I think Blue Badge holders feel let down sometimes, because abuse of the badges is so common.”
• What’s your favourite part of the job?
“The surveillance side is interesting. I do this either on foot or in a vehicle and I observe the actions of anyone suspected of fraud. What I’m looking for is routine, sustained misuse – for example, a commuter who parks from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.”
• What happens once you’ve found someone using a fake Blue Badge?
“Right now, we’re awaiting the results of the first test case that we’ve put through the Procurator Fiscal’s office. If the person is charged and found guilty, it could lead to a fine of £1,000 and a criminal record and pave the way for all our future prosecutions. I also liaise with parking attendants who can ticket motorists who are falsely using Blue Badges.”
If you’d like to report Blue Badge or residents’ permit fraud, call the Council switchboard on 0131 200 2000 and ask for the parking fraud prevention officer.