MSPs review effect of disabled parking misuse law

Has legislation aimed at tackling the misuse of disabled parking places been effective? The question is being considered by Holyrood’s Local Government & Communities Committee in an investigation into the Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.

Introduced as a member's bill by Jackie Baillie MSP, the Act attempts to stop disabled parking spaces being used by those not entitled to use them. Whilst enforcement action can be taken against non-blue badge holders who park in a disabled persons’ place, some local authorities rely on the goodwill of drivers not to park in what is known as "advisory parking places". The Act requires every local authority to undertake a one-off audit of all disabled persons’ parking places within their area, whether on-street or off-street.

In a call for evidence the committee is asking whether the Act has achieved its aim, and how well people think their local authority is carrying out its duties to convert all advisory on-street disabled persons’ parking places into enforceable parking places, unless no longer required, as well as any other issues to which the Act has given rise.

Committee convener Bob Doris MSP commented: “The abuse of these parking spaces can have a hugely negative impact on the lives of those who rely on these spaces.

“We want to hear from people about whether the legislation is working as well as it should be. Has the legislation simplified the process and helped to stop the misuse of disabled parking on our high streets, private parking and in residential areas?”

Click here to view the call for evidence. The closing date for submissions is Monday 20 March 2017.