Tackling Disabled Bay Abuse

One of the most common causes of public infuriation is motorists who park in disabled bays without being eligible. Bays dedicated to disabled drivers are there to make life easier for those who may struggle with accessibility and parking in these bays when not eligible is extremely selfish. But with fines averaging just £45, if caught, the deterrent value is quite weak. While supermarkets such as Tesco are introducing new initiatives to tackle the problem, for example equipping staff with smartphone apps to record evidence and issue fines, a stronger emphasis is needed. However, if the fine were increased and penalty points applied to the offender it would drive home the message in a much stronger fashion that disabled bays are for those who need it, not those who are too lazy to park elsewhere.

Cllr Clarence Barrett