Taxis disadvantaged

The compliance department of the Baw Baw Shire has seen fit not to re-issue disabled parking permits to West Gippsland Taxis.

These permits have previously been issued to enable taxis to pick up and drop off patrons in allocated disabled parking areas.

It is our understanding that the shire can deem us as an organisation that is eligible for this permit.

Many of our passengers are elderly who suffer with health issues or are unable to walk distances.

Our two wheelchair vehicles need access so as to unload safely. This service is provided 24/7. It would seem that on a whim all this is rescinded.

The legislation has been in place since 1995. The permit has always been used responsibly by the cars. We take up minimal time at these bays.

As you are aware the parking in the central business districts of the Baw Baw Shire is dismal.

This is an extract from the legislation clause 4 (b) of the code: “An organisation will be eligible for a disabled person’s parking permit if it is recognised by a council as providing a transport service for people with significant ambulatory or intellectual disabilities.”

Surely we are a transport provider with this service. Does this now mean that nursing or retirement facilities will not have access to parking their vehicle in the disabled parking?

The Baw Baw Shire’s answer is that all persons who require to be picked up or dropped in a disabled parking area should obtain their own parking permit.

This required attending a medical practitioner and submitting forms.

It is felt that the system that is in place works, so leave well enough alone. Bruce Moss manager, West Gippsland Taxis