Blagoevgrad authorities seize over 70 counterfeit disability parking permits

Authorities in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, have confiscated more than 70 counterfeit disability parking stickers since the beginning of the year. Officials from the local 'Parkings and Garages' department reported numerous instances of individuals using unauthorized vouchers, photocopied permits, or hand-made documents lacking official municipal stamps and holographic stickers to secure free parking.

In one recent incident, a vehicle was clamped after inspectors discovered three photocopied versions of the same permit. The owner reportedly admitted to distributing these copies to neighbors and relatives. Officials noted that using a valid permit when the person with the disability is not present in the vehicle is also a violation.

Borislav Lazarov, head of the Regional Organization of the Blind in Blagoevgrad, highlighted that these abuses reduce the availability of essential parking spaces for those who truly need them. To combat the issue, 'Parkings and Garages' has proposed the creation of a national electronic registry to verify the validity of permits and the status of the holder's medical decisions during inspections. Violators face fines equivalent to the local clamping fee, which is approximately 17.90 euros.