Scottish bill would see fines for bay abusers

By Paul Carter

A bill has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament that would see drivers fined for misusing accessible parking bays.

Jackie Baillie, a Labour MSP, formally introduced her disabled persons’ parking places (Scotland) member’s bill which, if passed, would make all existing disabled parking bays under the control of local authorities legally enforceable.

She said the abuse of accessible parking bays has “real consequences” for disabled people, and the impact on them of not being able to access suitable parking provision was not understood.

She 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 a result of able-bodied drivers abusing these spaces.”

Alan Dickson, chief executive of the disability charity Capability Scotland, welcomed the bill.

He said: “The thoughtless act of a motorist parking in a reserved bay can make it impossible for a disabled shopper to undertake an activity as simple as buying groceries. We welcome Jackie Baillie’s bill, which will make everyday life a little bit easier for disabled people.”

A Scottish government spokesman said it recognised that the abuse of parking spaces designated for disabled people was a “real issue”. 

“There are existing powers available to local authorities to make all disabled parking bays legally enforceable,” he said.

“However, we look forward to debating whether there are any other ways we can strengthen this legislation further.”
6 June, 2008