Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate threatens to hike fine for parking in disabled bays

Rule breaking drivers on the Gold Coast have been threatened with bigger fines, after shock new figures revealed people have been caught out in this ‘disrespectful’ act almost 1000 times.

MAYOR Tom Tate has threatened a fine hike for drivers busted stopping illegally in disabled car parks.

Almost 1000 fines were handed out in the 12 months to February 14, costing motorists a whopping $331,002.

The Bulletin was sent a photo highlighting the issue that one councillor described as a “constant problem”.

The image shows a full carpark at the beach end of Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach, where a driver has apparently flouted the rules by parking in the only disabled car park without a required permit.

A car parked in the disabled car park aty Main Beach.

Main Beach retiree David Panther, who lives near the carpark, said it was a frequent sight.

“I walk past the cars and I very seldom see a sticker on the car,” he said. “I think this is reflective of the inconsiderate nature of some people within our community.”

Cr Tate said the council made no apologies for fining people for parking in spaces set aside for those who need them.

“Almost 1000 fines in the past year shows that the message isn’t getting through. If it keeps happening then simple, we’ll increase the fine,” he said.

Main Beach resident David Panther guarding the disabled car park in the beach parking area. Picture: Mike Batterham.

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Gold Coast Disability Advocacy secretary and treasurer Gail Harbott said the figure was “outrageous” but noted the actual number of offenders was probably far greater.

“I think it’s disgraceful,” she said. “People just seem to think it’s their right to park there, when it’s against the law.

“Some that have no idea about living with a disability have no respect for people.”

She backed the Mayor in his threat and said the council should keep raising fines until motorists got the message.

Ms Harbott said people should also lose points on their licence.

A Gold Coast City Council spokeswoman said parking officers were responding daily to on and off-street disability parking bay offences.

The penalty for parking in a disabled space without a permit is $333.

Surfers Paradise councillor Gary Baildon said it was a “constant problem” and one that needed to be reported to the council. He said motorists flouting the law were “selfish”.