Blue Badge Interview Under Caution Explained

Why an Interview Under Caution Matters

If you have been invited to an interview about suspected Blue Badge misuse, it is easy to assume it is a quick chat to clear things up. In practice, interviews are often used to gather admissions, test your explanation against evidence, and decide what the council does next.

An interview under caution can feel intimidating, but you do not need to walk into it unprepared. Getting advice first can help you understand what the council is likely trying to establish, what evidence they may already have, and what the safest approach is in your circumstances.

Key point

The biggest risk is not the interview itself. It is attending too quickly, without understanding what is being alleged, or answering questions in a way that creates problems later.

What Does “Under Caution” Actually Mean?

“Under caution” means you are being interviewed as someone suspected of an offence. The caution is a formal warning that what you say can be recorded and may be used as evidence. Councils (and investigating teams acting for them) may conduct interviews following rules that are designed to make the interview fair and reliable.

You are not expected to guess the law. But you should understand the practical reality: the interview is not simply a fact-finding conversation. It is part of the evidence-gathering process.

Does one of these situations sound familiar?

Many Blue Badge investigations arise from everyday situations rather than deliberate misuse. Select the scenario that best matches what happened to you.

Other common situations

Not sure which fits? Browse all scenarios.

Voluntary Interview vs Interview Under Caution

Councils sometimes describe interviews as “voluntary” or “informal.” Voluntary usually means you are not under arrest and you have been invited to attend. That wording can reduce the sense of urgency, but it does not remove risk.

In Blue Badge cases, councils may still ask structured questions, refer to evidence, and record your answers. The safest approach is to treat any interview request as something to take seriously and to get advice before you attend.

Common situations that lead to interviews

Badge holder not present when the badge was used
Parking for convenience rather than for the badge holder’s benefit
Concerns about badge validity (expired, cancelled, altered, counterfeit)
Allegations of repeated misuse or inconsistent explanations

Do You Have To Attend?

People often feel they have no choice. In many cases, you are not required to attend immediately. However, ignoring an interview request can lead to escalation or decisions being made without your input.

The smarter question is usually: what is the safest way to respond? That depends on the exact letter, the deadline, the council involved, and what evidence is alleged. This is where a short call with a solicitor can make a genuine difference.

What Happens In The Interview

Interviews vary, but they often follow a predictable pattern. The interviewer may ask you to confirm identity details, explain your relationship to the badge holder, describe the journey, and account for why the vehicle was parked where it was.

In some cases, the council may refer to evidence such as photos or CCTV. In others, they may keep details back and see whether your account matches what they believe happened.

Typical Interview Themes

Where the badge holder was at the time
Whether the badge holder benefited from the parking
Timing (drop off, pickup, appointment times)
Who placed the badge in the vehicle and why
Any prior letters or warnings

What To Do Before You Attend

Preparation is not about rehearsing a story. It is about understanding the allegation, checking documents, and avoiding avoidable mistakes.

Read the letter carefully. Note deadlines, reference numbers, and how the interview is described.
Gather core documents. The letter pack, badge photos (front and back), and anything that supports the purpose of the journey.
Write down a brief timeline. Dates, times, and locations, while they are still fresh.
Consider what evidence is mentioned. If CCTV or photographs are referenced, you may want disclosure before giving a detailed account.
Get advice before confirming attendance. A short call can help you decide the safest approach.

The Safest Next Step

If you have an interview request, it is usually sensible to get advice before you attend or provide a detailed written explanation. You can request a free, confidential discovery call using the form below.

Use this form to request your discovery call.

Council-specific Enforcement Pages

Enforcement methods vary. Some councils rely heavily on officer observations. Others may refer to CCTV, reports, or repeated patterns. If your letter names a specific council, it can help to read the enforcement overview for that authority.

Browse council enforcement pages