Vol. 523 No. 1
668 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will consider special fines for those who park illegally in spaces reserved for those with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19477/00]
Local authorities are empowered to provide disabled persons parking bays on public roads in their charge. It is an offence to park in such bays unless a disabled person's parking permit is displayed in the vehicle and it is being parked for the convenience of the holder of the permit.
The offence of parking illegally in a disabled person's parking bay comes within the scope of the on-the-spot fines system and a £15 on-the-spot fine is applicable. The level of on-the-spot fines generally is being reviewed by my Department and the question of amending the on-spot-fine for this particular offence is being considered in that context. Enforcement of these regulations is a matter for the Garda Síochána or local authority appointed traffic wardens.
