Friday 22 February 2008

Vivid Mobility Parking Spaces Deter Misuse

Research from CCS Disability Action shows that painting mobility parking spaces with vivid colours deters misuse.

Six mobility parking spaces were monitored during a study supported by Land Transport New Zealand, Waitakere City Council, Auckland City Council and Fulton Hogan. The spaces were monitored by Research NZ prior to being painted and twice again afterwards.

Before being painted, 55% of people using the mobility parking spaces were doing so illegally, without a valid mobility parking permit.

The parking spaces were then painted blue with yellow road markings by research partner Fulton Hogan. Three months later the rate of misuse had dropped to 51%. The parking spaces were monitored again three months later and the level of misuse had dropped to 42%.

During the same period the number of vehicles using the parking spaces with a valid mobility parking permit had risen from 40% to 52%.

Peter Wilson, Mobility Parking Permit Scheme Manager, finds the research encouraging.

“This study shows that increased visibility affects the rate of misuse and genuine mobility parking users benefit from the freed up spaces,” says Peter Wilson.

Recent amendments to Land Transport Rules mean people using mobility parking spaces without displaying a valid CCS Disability Action mobility parking permit will face consistent national penalties with fine increases expected to be set at $150 by the Ministry of Transport.
“Mobility parking permit holders rely on these parking spaces to access and contribute to their community. Hopefully increased fines and more visible parking will mean more permit holders being able to access parking spaces in their communities”.

While the legislative change has a huge impact on access to public mobility parking there are still concerns with privately owned car parks and their mobility parking.

“It would be great to see private parking owners making their mobility parking spaces more visible and adopting some of the principles in the new legislation. Blocking disabled people from getting on with their business, shopping and leisure activities is still a big problem in New Zealand.”

*ENDS*

CCS Disability Action Background Information

CCS Disability Action works in partnership with disabled people, their families, and whanau to ensure equality of opportunity, quality of life, and by helping to create environments of inclusion. New Zealand is made up of disabled people, their families, and whanau; CCS Disability Action aims to assist all people who face barriers on the basis of disability.
CCS Disability Action operates with a National Office and regional management structure, providing services nationally from 16 incorporated societies. We deliver regular services to over 6,000 people with disabilities, making us one of the largest disability support service providers in New Zealand. CCS Disability Action works closely with other disability agencies to make the best use of shared knowledge and resources, helping us to adopt best practice across the sector. CCS Disability Action also works with government to make sure that those with disabilities have the same rights to relationships, learning, work, recreation and community as everyone else.
Our foundation statement, Te Hunga Haua Mauri Mo Nga Tangata Katoa, forms the basis of our identity. It reminds us that all people have mauri, life force, and that all life force is equal. Our vision is to build a truly inclusive New Zealand; a country that embraces diversity.

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