A Blue Badge amnesty is being launched in Buckinghamshire.

Residents with unwanted or no longer needed Blue Badges for disabled parking are being urged to return them during a special amnesty to mark International Fraud Awareness Week, which runs from November 18 to 23.

Buckinghamshire Council is hosting the initiative following a joint operation to catch individuals misusing the badges.

The amnesty allows people to return the badges anonymously during the awareness week.

The badges can be dropped off at reception areas of council offices on Walton Street in Aylesbury, and Queen Victoria Road in High Wycombe, or posted to: Blue Badge Amnesty, Buckinghamshire Council (5th Floor), Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UA.

Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for transport, warned that Blue Badge misuse is not only fraud, but also a "serious problem" for vulnerable residents who rely on the scheme.

He said: "If you have a Blue Badge and you don’t need it – perhaps it previously belonged to a friend or relative – please do hand it in as part of our amnesty.

"Blue Badge offenders can also be prosecuted and receive a fine of up to £1,000."

The council's fraud team also investigates other fraudulent activities including housing application cheating, council tax scams, and cybercrime.

Frauds, scams or other suspicious activity should be reported via the Buckinghamshire Council’s website.