Tourist fined for abusing blue plaque in Castle car park in York

Thomas Prior, 67, was parked in Castle’s car park on August 14 last year, York Magistrates Court learned.

When he did so, he showed a blue badge, claiming he was entitled to park the car in one of the handicapped spaces for free.

However, it was not his blue badge and the blue badge holder was not in the vehicle at the time.

He was therefore not entitled to use it for free parking on this trip, the court said.

Prior of Waterside Road, Barton upon Humber near Hull pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a disability card.

He was fined £600 and ordered to pay a statutory surcharge of £240 and prosecution costs of £812.67.

York City Council brought charges against him.

Last August, The Press reported the anger when all the disabled parking spaces on Clifford Street opposite the Hilton were filled with cars, none of which had a blue badge.

These parking spaces are not located in the castle car park.