Strong Message On Misuse Of Mobility Parking

Thursday 24 January 2008

Government Sends Out Strong Message On Misuse Of Mobility Parking

The government has sent out a strong signal that misuse of public mobility parking spaces will no longer be tolerated.

Previously, mobility parking infringements and penalties were dealt with under local authority bylaws but amendments to Land Transport Rules, that came into effect on 17 January, means people using mobility parking spaces without displaying a valid CCS Disability Action mobility parking permit will face consistent national penalties.

CCS Disability Action, along with other interested parties, has been working with the Ministry of Transport to establish new mobility parking rules and increases in fine levels.

Peter Wilson, Mobility Parking Permit Scheme Manager, welcomes the changes with open arms.

“We must applaud the Minister and the Ministry of Transport for their efforts in making this change within a 15 month timeframe. Mobility parking permit holders rely on these parking spaces to access and contribute to their community.”

Research undertaken by CCS Disability Action found that 50% of vehicles using a public mobility parking space were doing so illegally.

“Now that we have this legislation in place I’d like to see stronger penalties for those people that continue to abuse mobility parking spaces.”
Parking penalties in New Zealand ($40) are not much of a deterrent when compared to fines in England & Scotland ($2926), New South Wales ($454 to $545) and Chicago ($784).

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

ENDS

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