New Zealand greatly increases fines for illegally parking in spots for disabled people

Starting on June 26, the fine for parking in accessible parking lots designated for disabled people will increase from $40 to $150 in New Zealand.

Disabled New Zealanders are celebrating the change, according to CCS Disability Action.

Due to recent amendments to Land Transport Rules, people using mobility parking spaces without displaying a valid CCS Disability Action Mobility Parking Permit will face a $150 penalty, set by the Ministry of Transport.

CCS Disability Action and other groups have been working with the Ministry of Transport for 15 months to create the new mobility parking rules and increase the fine.

“Mobility parking permit holders rely on these parking spaces to access and contribute to their community. Hopefully increased fines will mean more permit holders being able to access parking spaces in their communities,” says Peter Wilson, Mobility Parking Permit Scheme Manager.

Research by CCS Disability Action showed that 50% of vehicles using public mobility parking spaces were doing so illegally.

"Blocking disabled people from getting on with their business, shopping and leisure activities is still a big problem in New Zealand,” Wilson explained.