A crackdown on parking permit fraud ended with six successful prosecutions, Sutton Borough Council has said, including one case where a man used his dead mother's blue badge permit.

In total £1,435 in fines was handed out by Croydon Magistrates' Court following the joint effort between the borough and Sutton Police after the six parties pleaded guilty to their charges.

Speaking on Wednesday September 10, Councillor Jill Whitehead, chairman of Sutton Council’s environment and neighbourhoods committee, said: "Blue badge fraud is illegal and morally wrong.

"Those convicted are selfish drivers who dishonestly used these badges to make parking a little easier by using a bay reserved for someone with a real need.

"I hope this crack-down sends a clear message to drivers who abuse blue badges."

According to Sutton Council, the largest fine of £468 was given to Peter Appleyard, 68, from Carshalton after the court heard how he had been caught using a permit belonging to Winifred Smith between April 1 and May 22 2014. Ms Smith was the defendant's late mother and had passed away in August 2013.

The council said Appleyard later tried to cover his offence by destroying his mother’s blue badge and writing a check for £78, his estimate for what he would have paid for legal parking.

The cases were heard on Tuesday September 2.

Those who suspect anyone of committing blue badge fraud are asked to contact Sutton Council’s confidential fraud hotline by emailing parking@sutton.gov.uk.