Council fines ‘selfish’ drivers over $200,000 for illegally parking in disability car spaces
More than 380 thoughtless drivers have been fined for parking illegally in disability car spaces in Canterbury-Bankstown.
The Express
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More than 380 thoughtless drivers have been fined for parking illegally in disability car spaces.
The fines, issued by Canterbury-Bankstown Council, have been dished out from January 1 and equal about $210,000.
Shantel Rama lives in Bankstown and has a musculoskeletal disorder.
She said she felt angry, frustrated and fed up with inconsiderate people using disability spaces without a valid permit.
“I can’t walk more than 100m,” Ms Rama said.
“Having available disability parking helps me carry out my daily activities like going to the doctor, buying medicine and doing the shopping.”
Council administrator Richard Colley said the fines were part of a co-ordinated crackdown on the illegal use of disability parking spots — but even he was surprised and embarrassed by the numbers caught.
“There were 389 motorists caught, which is despicable,” Mr Colley said.
“These parking spots are for people with disability and no one else. It is selfish to deny those spots to people who actually need them.”
Ms Rama said she was baffled as to why anyone without a disability would do such a thing.
“There are plenty more non-disabled parking spots, so why rob the few disability spots from those that really need them?” she said.
If morality doesn’t deter offenders, then the cost of the fines should — they range from $549 and one demerit point to $659.
If you suspect someone is misusing a disability permit, call the Mobility Parking Scheme on 1300 884 899.
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