Katie Price, a 46-year-old media personality known for her past as a glamour model, has come under scrutiny for potentially misusing her son Harvey’s disabled parking permit. Price, currently starring in a pantomime production of Cinderella, was photographed parking her Nissan on a pavement outside Northwich Memorial Court. While a blue disabled badge was clearly displayed in her car’s window, her son Harvey, who has Prader-Willi syndrome, autism, and partial blindness, was not present. This action raises concerns of a potential breach of regulations, as the UK government website explicitly states that misuse of a blue badge, including its use by individuals other than the badge holder, is a criminal offense punishable by a fine of up to £1,000 and confiscation of the badge.
The incident occurred on Sunday, December 29th, with Price arriving at the venue accompanied by her boyfriend, JJ Slater. She appeared to be attempting to maintain a low profile, wearing a black hoodie with the hood up, a cap, jeans, and trainers. The displayed blue badge indicated an arrival time of 2:30 pm. Price’s actions directly contradict the guidelines on the government website, which emphasize that the badge should not be used in a way that endangers, inconveniences, or obstructs pedestrians or other road users. Parking on a pavement is explicitly prohibited unless signage specifically permits it, as such parking can impede wheelchair users and pedestrians.
The potential misuse of the blue badge highlights a broader issue concerning the responsible use of such permits. These badges are intended to facilitate access for disabled individuals, ensuring they can park closer to their destinations and participate more fully in daily life. When misused, these badges not only deprive those in genuine need of accessible parking but also create safety hazards for pedestrians and other road users. The regulations clearly state that the badge remains the property of the issuing local council, which has the authority to reclaim it if misused. This incident underscores the importance of respecting the intended purpose of the blue badge scheme and adhering to the regulations governing its use.
While this incident has drawn negative attention, Price has also recently shared positive moments involving her son Harvey. She posted a video clip on social media showing Harvey dancing on stage with her during the pantomime performance. The clip, captioned with an expression of maternal pride, showcases Harvey’s enjoyment of the performance and his close bond with his mother. This positive interaction contrasts with the controversy surrounding the parking incident, highlighting the complexities of public perception and the challenges of navigating life in the public eye.
Price’s participation in the pantomime has been a significant undertaking for her. She reportedly earns £50,000 for her performances, demonstrating her continued presence in the entertainment industry. An insider source revealed that Price is a skilled negotiator and recognizes her market value, ensuring she receives fair compensation for her work. The organizers of the pantomime are reportedly pleased with the audience response to Price and her co-star Kerry Katona, indicating a successful collaboration and a positive return on their investment. This financial success illustrates Price’s ongoing ability to secure lucrative opportunities despite facing various controversies and challenges.
The juxtaposition of Price’s professional success with the potential blue badge misuse underscores the delicate balance between personal actions and public image. While she enjoys financial rewards from her pantomime performance and shares heartwarming moments with her son, the parking incident raises serious questions about her judgment and respect for regulations designed to protect vulnerable individuals. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to rules and regulations, especially those intended to facilitate access and safety for disabled individuals. It also highlights the scrutiny faced by public figures and the potential consequences of actions that may appear to disregard the needs of others.
