Selfish drivers pay the penalty
THE number of motorists booked for stopping illegally in disabled car parks has rocketed in the past 12 months – and the Gold Coast City Council is not apologising for it.
Council fines nearly doubled in some areas, with drivers in Biggera Waters, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads and Surfers Paradise the worst offenders.
The only suburb in the top five to record fewer infringements than the previous year was Southport, down from 249 in the 2016-17 financial year to 166.
The current penalty for parking in a disabled space without a permit is $326.
Mayor Tom Tate said unlawfully parking in a car space intended for a person with a disability was “despicable”.
“To take a car park from someone with a disability is a despicable act and we make no apologies for fining these people,” he said.
“Accessible parking spaces are essential for some of our city’s residents.
“Accessibility is a priority for our city and we will continue to monitor and fine those people found doing the wrong thing.”
Gail Harbott, secretary and treasurer for the Gold Coast Disability Advocacy, said people who park illegally need to be more aware of the impact they are having on vulnerable people’s lives.
“Spend a week in my wheelchair and see what it’s like,” she said.
“It’s sheer laziness and ignorance.
People are aware of the fact that they shouldn’t be parking in those spaces but they don’t want to be put out themselves.
“If the person that’s needing the accessible parking can’t get it, it can really throw the whole day off and that can be quite distressing.”
Biggera Waters resident Irene Bagnall says disability parking areas are vital for those with medical difficulties like her mother Ausma Czyszek.
“Mum has a permit because her walking is impaired, so it is important spaces are free for people who need them,” Ms Bagnall said.
“I think the number of people that have been fined is outrageous, but maybe this is a case for more education.
“Disabilities can take many forms, and it’s making a hard task harder when those spaces aren’t available.”