Disabled left idling as motorists abuse parking permits Author: By MEGAN LEVY Date: 24/11/2005 Publication: Illawarra Mercury
MOTORISTS are abusing a parking permit system that enables disabled drivers to park in specially marked bays, according to Spinal Cord Injuries Australia.
While the permits are allocated to people with a genuine disability, the association's regional services manager Alex Traill said often able-bodied people were using the permits and taking up disabled car parks.
Mr Traill has called for a new system of policing photo licences to crack down on offences.
The Mercury revealed this week that more Wollongong motorists were flouting disabled parking regulations on the city's streets.
The number of drivers fined for the offence has jumped 33 per cent in the past year, despite a rise in the penalty from $150 to $375.
Those fines related to motorists who were caught parking in disabled zones without a permit, issued under the Mobility Parking Scheme.
The Mercury has received numerous calls from disabled drivers who say they are also frustrated by people breaking the rules at shopping centres and clubs.
Mr Traill said the situation was made worse because there was a misunderstanding about who was able to use the permits, and as a result often disabled people were left fighting for spaces.
The photo permits are issued with the consent of a doctor, and can only be used by the person with a disability, or if their carer is driving the permit-holder around.
"What we're seeing is that the (permit) is being placed in the window by the disabled person or their carer, but then the car is being used by another member of the family because they think they're authorised to park there," he said.
"That's causing major problems in shopping centres."
He said anecdotal evidence suggested it was harder now to get a park in disabled spots than ever before.
"People are giving us feedback that they're seeing people parking with mobility (permits), but clearly walking away unaided from their vehicle. I personally have witnessed teenagers doing this."