Increase in fine for those ‘selfish’ drivers who park in disabled bays is welcomed

AN increase in the fixed charge for motorists who park in a disabled bay without displaying a valid permit has been welcomed by campaigners.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, announced recently that the fixed charge will increase from €80 to €150.

“In response to the selfish and thoughtless behaviour of certain motorists who think it is alright to park in a disabled bay without a permit, thereby depriving disabled drivers of safe, convenient access to parking spaces reserved for them, I have decided that the fixed charge should be increased from €80 to €150,” the minister said.

“I hope that this increased charge will encourage able-bodied motorists to refrain from taking parking spaces reserved for those who need them.”

Motorists have 28 days to pay the fixed charge of €150, which rises to €225 if paid within the following 28 days.

Failure to pay will result in proceedings being initiated.

The parking card scheme is administered by the Disabled Drivers’ Association and the Irish Wheelchair Association, and cards are issued to those who meet the medical eligibility criteria.

Disabled drivers can download a form from the Disabled Drivers’ Association, which must then be completed and certified by a doctor and countersigned by a Garda.

“Disabled parking bays may only be used if the card holder is driving or travelling in the car,” the Minister advised.

“Able-bodied relatives or friends may not use this card for their own benefit, and it is an offence to forge or fraudulently alter any permit, or to lend or allow a permit to be used by any person other than the holder.”

The new fixed charge amount came into operation on March 1 with gardai and local authority traffic wardens swinging into action.

Senator John Dolan, a long-time campaigner on a range of disability issues, welcomed the announcement.

“This is good news for the disability community,” he said. “An increase in the deterrent will undoubtedly lead to increased compliance.

“It is remarkable that despite all we have learned in recent decades, some motorists will still knowingly park in a space allocated and designed for people with disabilities. For the minority of motorists who still show such disregard for their fellow citizens an increased fine will hopefully also increase their respect and regard for those who can only park in the spaces so designated.”

Sean O’ Kelly, disability advocate, said he was  pleased to see further action taken.

“As a driver with a disability, I need the parking space to allow room to get my chair out,” he said.

“When people who use the space without a badge make some excuse of 'I'll only be a minute' that is very frustrating and inconsiderate.”

The Minister added: “I am delighted that under Operation Enable, 64 disabled parking permits were seized for fraudulent use. There are just 740 disabled parking bays for 20,000 disabled drivers in the Greater Dublin Area, so we need to ensure that all of these spaces are only used by those who need them.”

Cllr Brian Lawlor has also welcomed the rise in the fine to address an issue that he said was “a pet hate of mine”.

“I have been pushing for this increase with the council and the Department of Transport,” the Southside councillor said.