Fines go up today

New legislation comes into force today that will make people think twice about parking illegally in on-street mobility parking spaces. 

The fine is increasing to $150 up from just $40.

Disabled people are tired of able bodied people using spaces they are not entitled to, tired of being abused when they question people parking illegally and tired of hearing the same old excuces like “I don’t think anyone deserves special treatment, we all pay taxes” or “I’m only going to be five minutes ...”

CCS Disability Action has been working with the Ministry of Transport and New Zealand Parking Association to increase the parking fine.  Senior administrator for CCS, Cheryl Mercer, said illegal parking was a major problem throughout the country and CCS hoped stiffer penalties would make people think twice.

A $150 fine was a lot of money, she said. “With the high cost of living, I’m sure many families couldn’t afford to waste money like that.”

Lets hope that the combination of the increased fine and wheel clamping will mean that only disabled people with current mobility parking permits utilise these spaces and that people do ‘Think Twice’ before they illegally park in one.