Call for rangers to show ‘heart’ after driver fined for helping man in wheelchair
Management of a Sydney park copped a backlash after a carer was fined $130 for using a “restricted road” to pick up a man in a wheelchair on a warm day.
The pair admitted doing the wrong thing, but said Centennial Parklands rangers could have shown some heart on the Australia Day public holiday.
Mikey Loaniddes copped the fine on Monday for driving on a restricted road to pick up friend Rob from the park, who struggles to speak after a stroke.
The pair showed rangers Rob’s wheelchair, hoping for leniency given the temperature reached 28C that day.
The alternative was to wheel Rob across a nearby grass paddock, but they said the rangers weren’t swayed, and issued a $130 penalty.
“I had a look at the rules and they state that you can’t cross this road unless there is a zebra crossing. Now there is no zebra crossing,” Mr Loaniddes told 7 News.
“I just felt it was greedy, it was just about greed. There was no humanity in it.”
Centennial Parklands said rangers are responsible for the safety of 30 million visitors each year – including children, cars and animals.
“It is important that we carefully balance enforcement with the respectful treatment of our guests,” management said in a statement.
On Tuesday, Centennial Parklands told 7 News it would review the $130 fine, and it would be waived if they found it was imposed unreasonably.
Push for more public access for people with disability
The fine has disability advocates up in arms, who are pushing for more access for vulnerable people.
“As much as things are getting better, it’s a very slow process and currently many people can’t access nearby parks,” said Serena Ovens, CEO of the Physical Disability Council NSW.
Stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo7’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.
