July 2nd, 2008
MSP backs the end of disabled parking abuse
GREENOCK and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil is backing a new measure to tackle the ‘space invaders’ who abuse disabled parking bays.
Mr McNeil, a long-term campaigner on the topic, has given his support to Jackie Baillie MSP’s Bill which was formally introduced to Parliament last week.
The bill aims to benefit the 223,995 registered Blue Badge holders in Scotland – roughly a quarter of all disabled people in the country.
When passed, the bill will make all existing disabled parking bays under the control of local authorities legally enforceable.
At present, almost 85 per cent of disabled parking bays are advisory and therefore anyone can park in them without the risk of being penalised.
The Bill proposes that a fine of £30, rising to £60 after 14 days, will be applied to those who abuse disabled parking bays.
Speaking following the introduction of the bill, Mr McNeil said: “The abuse of a disabled parking bay has real consequences for someone who is disabled. Many disabled people feel that their rights are not respected and the sheer impact of being unable to use a bay is simply not understood.
“I would urge all local residents or businesses to support this Bill, as it will make a significant difference to the quality of life for disabled people in Inverclyde and across Scotland.”
The Bill further requires local authorities to contact owners and/or operators of private car parks including supermarkets and out of town retail centres to negotiate an agreement which would make their disabled persons’ parking places enforceable.
In addition local authorities will be required to report annually to Scottish Ministers on the enforcement of disabled parking bays in their area.
Jackie Baillie, the MSP who introduced the bill, said: “It is too often the case that disabled drivers are unable to find parking facilities either outside their own home or in their local high street to access essential services.
“Unfortunately, on many occasions it is as a result of able bodied drivers abusing these spaces. The message was put simply, but powerfully to me at the start of the campaign: ‘If you want my disabled parking space, then please have my disability too.”
ENDS