Fine for parking in disability space increased to $150

The cost of parking in a mobility parking space will set you back $150 from Thursday 26 June. This is an increase of $110 from the current fine. 

The Government has amended the Land Transport Regulations to include an increase in the infringement fee for unlawfully parking in mobility (disabled) parking spaces. The increase follows representations from the group CCS Disability Action. The organisation says results of its surveys show that 50% of vehicles using public mobility parking spaces do so illegally.

People with disabilities are eligible to obtain a Mobility Parking Permit which allows them to makes use of mobility parking spaces. The Mobility Parking Permit Scheme is open to people of all ages who:

Are unable to walk and rely on a wheelchair for mobility; or
Rely on mobility devices such as crutches, walking sticks or walking frames; or
Are unable to walk 200 metres unassisted because of the nature/severity of their condition
 

The Whakatane District Council, like other Councils countrywide, provides for public mobility parking spaces and enforces these regulations as part of their parking management system.