Tags: Cork, David Stanton, Disabled parking spaces, fines, Ireland, penalty points, politics

FINE Gael Disability Spokesman David Stanton TD has called for the introduction of penalty points for drivers who illegally park in bays reserved for people with disabilities.

Under the current system, illegal parking in these spaces carries a fixed charge fine of €80 but no penalty points.

“Reserved parking spaces are regularly being used illegally by able-bodied drivers. The current penalty for illegal parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities was introduced in April 2006, but when I questioned Transport Minister Noel Dempsey about increasing the fines and enforcement for this offence he said he was satisfied with the fixed charge and had no plans to alter it.

“The focus to date has been on the illegal use of disabled parking permits.  While I believe this is an extremely important matter, enforcement measures should also be increased for illegal parking in disabled bays.

“Drivers who use wheelchairs are particularly dependent on these spaces. Illegal parking, even for a short period, causes great inconvenience and even hardship.

“Drivers in general should be more aware and responsible. But imposing penalty points would deter persistent offenders. I will be raising this matter in Dáil Éireann again shortly,” he said.