Parking officer

Barking and Dagenham Council and Police target permit abuse and vehicle offences in borough-wide operation

A major enforcement operation targeting parking fraud and vehicle-related offences has led to the removal of 13 vehicles and the cancellation of multiple permits across Barking and Dagenham.

The day of action, known Operation Cubo, took place on Wednesday 24 September and saw council enforcement teams working alongside local police to tackle uninsured vehicles, persistent evaders, fraudulent permit holders, and misuse of Blue Badges.

During the operation:

  • 25 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued, including to three oversized vehicles using invalid permits.
  • Seven vehicles were removed for fraudulent permit use, including cases where drivers had three or more unpaid PCNs.
  • Four vehicles were towed for serious offences including insurance evasion and false DVLA paperwork.
  • Over 50 Blue Badges were checked, with several confiscated for misuse or being counterfeit.
  • Six fraudulent QR code stickers - used to scam residents paying for parking were spotted and removed.
  • Two uninsured vehicles were seized and towed by the Street Duties Team.
  • Two arrests were made, including one for a wanted individual in connection with a drink-driving offence.

The operation drew on intelligence from resident reports, frontline staff, and proactive patrols across hotspot areas. Officers carried out over 100 vehicle stops, conducted insurance and Police National Computer (PNC) checks, and responded to suspicious activity in real time.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “This operation shows the strength of partnership working in tackling fraud and keeping our streets safe. From permit abuse to Blue Badge misuse and even scams targeting residents, we’re taking firm action to protect our communities. 

“I want to thank our enforcement teams and the police for their continued dedication to making Barking and Dagenham a safer place to live, work and shop.

Barking & Dagenham Police Neighbourhood Superintendent Premnath Biju said: “Operation Cubo demonstrates the impact of strong partnership working. By targeting vehicle offences, permit fraud and unsafe practices, we are protecting residents and keeping our streets safe. We will continue to act on intelligence and enforce the law to maintain public safety across Barking and Dagenham.”