Brighton and Hove City Council’s amnesty runs throughout July and August.
Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure, said: “The amnesty is a way of giving people the chance to hand in those old passes, badges and permits that aren’t being used as intended, no questions asked.”
As part of the council’s work to tackle fraud in the city, they want to give people the opportunity to hand in any passes, badges or permits they shouldn’t be using.
Anyone with a bus pass, blue badge or parking permit that is out of date or is being used incorrectly can hand it over at the Hove Town Hall letterbox or the Brighton Town Hall letterbox.
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Cllr Muten added: “This type of fraud is not a victimless crime. It has a real impact on people who need them the most to get around Brighton & Hove. I’d urge anyone with a pass, badge or permit they shouldn’t have to hand it in or simply destroy it themselves.
“I’d like to thank people for their support and co-operation in making travelling around the city fairer and easier.”
There are over 42,000 concessionary bus pass holders in Brighton and Hove, including 7,000 passes issued to qualifying disabled residents.
However, the council knows some people use these passes, permits and blue badges who shouldn’t be.
Concessionary bus passes for older and disabled people are a “lifeline for thousands of people in Brighton and Hove”, the council has said, connecting them with friends and family, shops and vital services like hospitals and GP surgeries.
Blue badges also ensure people with mobility issues or other disabilities can better access the city.
Brighton and Hove City Council has a fraud team within the parking service to investigate and address fraud and misuse involving blue badges, concessionary travel passes, parking permits and car parks.
In 2023-24, enforcement and investigation officers carried out monthly joint action days with Sussex Police as part of Operation Bluebird.
During this period, 279 blue badges were retained by officers due to misuse, 197 community resolution orders were completed and 56 prosecutions were issued for fraudulent use of a blue badge.
