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Fines increased for illegal use of mobility parks

Fines increased for illegal use of mobility parking

The fine for illegally parking in a space reserved for disability permit holders has been significantly increased to discourage the practice and improve access and mobility for disabled people, Transport Minister Annette King announced today.

From 26 June the fine for wrongfully parking in a mobility parking space will increase from $40 to $150, in line with changes made to the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule.

The Rule creates a specific requirement that only vehicles being used to transport disabled people and displaying the appropriate permit can park in designated mobility car parks. Such an offence was previously punishable as an "unspecified parking offence," attracting a $40 fine, the same penalty as any other such offence.

"This change means we can improve access and mobility by discouraging misuse of parking areas reserved for disabled people," Ms King said.

"Currently, there are some 87,000 people who are eligible to use mobility parks. Over 75 percent of mobility parking permit holders have age-related mobility impairments. It is likely that demand for mobility parks will increase in the future, given the aging population, so it's important we address this issue now."

Ms King said the government had consulted with affected groups on the proposed change and had been in communication with CCS Disability Action throughout the process.

Research conducted by CCS, gathered by observing users of mobility parks, found that 50 percent of vehicles were parked in mobility parks illegally, half of which were there for less than five minutes. Only four percent of the illegally parked vehicles observed were issued with a parking ticket.

At present, mobility parking is specifically provided on roads and in other public areas, such as shopping mall car parks. Only those people displaying a mobility card are entitled to use those parks. The mobility parking scheme is administered jointly by CCS, who provide the mobility cards, and local authorities

ENDS

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