Huge spike in number of disabled parking permits puts focus on rorters

SOUTH Australian transport authorities are issuing a staggering number of disabled parking permits each month, prompting questions about whether people are doing the right thing.

Dignity Party MLC Kelly Vincent wants tougher penalties for people parking illegally in disabled parking spots.

• Disabled drivers being shut-out by permit abuse
• Disabled parking permits soar

MORE than 800 new disabled parking permits are being issued to South Australian drivers each month.

The rate of new permits issued — an average of 26 a day — has prompted calls from a leading disability advocate to create more disabled parking spaces.

Dignity Party MLC Kelly Vincent told the Sunday Mail there were some South Australians rorting the system.

Ms Vincent said the State Government should consider making it a demerit point offence for motorists who illegally park in disabled spaces.

Transport Department figures show 9702 new permits were issued in 2016, taking the total number in the state to more 83,000.

“Some people refuse to play by the rules, and in the case of parking permits, this includes using a family member’s permit to park illegally in disability parking spaces,” Ms Vincent said.

“I want to stop people who have no permit, and therefore no eligibility to use disability parking spaces, taking up spaces that eligible South Australians need so they can safely access the community.

“I believe that those drivers illegally parking should face not only a large fine but also a single demerit point for this offence.”

Ms Vincent said local councils needed to keep up by establishing more disability parking spaces to reflect the increase in disability parking permits in their area.

RAA road safety senior manager Charles Mountain agreed.

“If there is an issue with disability parking spaces it’s their availability,” Mr Mountain said.

“The number of dedicated parks needs to be reviewed in high-demand areas and increased accordingly.”

Mr Mountain said the fine for using a disability park without displaying a permit was $355 plus a $60 victims of crime levy if the notice was issued by police.

“The next highest fine for stopping/parking offences is the bike lane penalty of $257 and most other parking offences are in the range of $64 to $124,” he said.

Mr Mountain said the RAA had some concerns about applying demerit points.

“Increased availability of spaces, better signage and consistent enforcement — together with some community education about how the system works — rather than greater penalties may ultimately prove more effective in ensuring spaces are available for those who need them,” he said.