Charge for parking in disabled bays without permit is now €150
By Brendan Grehan
THE FIXED charge for motorists who park in spaces for disabled drivers without displaying a valid permit has almost doubled from €80 to €150.
The Minister for Transport Shane Ross told The Echo: “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.
Councillor Brian Lawlor
“I hope that this increased charge will encourage able-bodied motorists to refrain from taking parking spaces reserved for those who need them.”
The new charge came into effect on March 1.
If the charge is not paid within 28 days, the penalty rises to €225, to be paid within the following 28 days.
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.
Minister Ross added: “Disabled parking bays may only be used if the card holder is driving or travelling in the car. 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.”
Thoughtless behaviour
Councillor Brian Lawlor welcomed the announcement.
He told The Echo: “This is a pet hate of mine and I have been pushing for this increase with South Dublin County Council and the Department of Transport. I welcome this announcement by the Minister of Transport Shane Ross in response to the selfish and thoughtless behaviour of some motorists, who think it is alright to park in a disabled bay without a permit.”
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