Fines for stealing disabled car parks double next week in Logan

International Day for People with a Disability will not go unnoticed in Logan where fines double for stealing disabled spots

Disabled parking on City Road at Beenleigh PHOTO: Jono Searle

Disabled drivers south of Brisbane will have more of a chance of finding a parking spot after tough laws were given the green light yesterday, to coincide with today’s International Day for People with a Disability.

Logan City Council doubled fines for those found to be parking illegally in a disabled spot from $266 to $533.

The fines are the third harshest in the country with only ACT ($600), and New South Wales ($572), having higher penalties.

Gazettal of the new laws is expected to be December 12.

The move was part of a state government push to make access to driving easier for disabled.

The state said increasing the penalty would act as a strong deterrent and help ensure disability parking bays were available for those who genuinely needed them.

Disabled parking spots will be easier to find in Beenleigh after the new measures.

The government also expanded the criteria for disabled permits, paving the way for up to 18,000 additional parking applications including for those who are legally blind.

Logan decided to jack up the fines in August and amended its local laws in September before holding public engagement in October.

No complaints, from residents or other state government agencies were lodged during the community engagement period.

A council officer told a meeting yesterday that disabled people caught parking in disabled bays without their permits could appeal any fine.

The council will liaise with shopping centre owners, who issue fines in private carparks, to ensure that parking bays are clearly marked.