Blue bage holders have been warned to remain vigilant following a spate of approaches by fake enforcement officers.

There have been a number of reports on social media following several incidents in Amersham and Chesham where drivers have either been asked to handover their blue badge, or in some cases had it confiscated.

All of these reports are believed to be scams by fraudsters intent on obtaining blue badges, potentially for illegal use.

Buckinghamshire County Council have informed Thames Valley Police of the incidents.

Buckinghamshire County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Resources, Ralph Bagge said that official enforcement officers do carry out checks across the County to prevent blue badge misuse, however they would always provide proper identification and make official notes of any action taken.

Cllr Bagge said: “These reports are clearly the act of scammers and I would ask everyone who regularly uses their blue badge to be extra vigilant.

“If you have the slightest doubt, please ask for proper identification from the person who approaches you. Our officers also make a log of any action they take and they will ask you to countersign the paperwork.

"If in any doubt, you can also ring us there and then on 01296 382902 to double-check any enforcement officer's credentials. They will not mind you doing this in the slightest.

“We do carry out regular checks to protect genuine blue badge holders and since the start of the year we have been prosecuting those who have been fraudulently using badges.

"Not only is this type of abuse abhorrent, it may also prevent a genuine user being able to park."

Initial reports surfaced earlier in the week on social media of the fraudsters operating.

One read: " My elderly parents were parked yesterday in Amersham Library car park in a disabled bay with their blue badge displayed.

"When they left the car they were approached by a man in a high vis jacket.

"He asked to inspect their badge which they duly agreed to and returned to the car with him. He insisted because they live in Herts it was not valid and he had to confiscate it.

"Confused and thinking they’d broken the regs they surrendered it. Having checked the rules we’re fairly sure this is a scam."