Fine for 'arrogant' parking offence set to skyrocket
The fine for parking in a disabled bay without a permit could be set to more than double by the middle of the year if the Queensland government gets its way.
Under the proposed law, the current fine of $266 will increase to $533 for those caught parking in marked disabled spots without a visible permit.
Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the reason for the hefty increase is to put a stop to “selfish and arrogant behaviour” from motorists who take up parking spaces reserved for those with a disability.
He’s hoping the large parking fine proposed will shock drivers into thinking twice before breaking the law.
“It’s got to stop,” Mr Bailey told Nine News.
A parliamentary committee examining the parking penalty legislation has recommended a review after 12 months to decide if demerit points should also be included.
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The proposed fine hike comes as Queensland introduces changes that will allow those with vision impairment to apply for a disabled permit, bringing the state in line with NSW and the ACT which consider legal blindness as a criteria to apply for a disabled permit.
There have also been calls for councils to allow parking inspectors to be able to enforce the rule on private property such as shopping centre car parks.
“What we want to see is that disability bays are for people with disabilities everywhere,” the minister told Seven News.
It’s expect the change will come into place by mid-2020.
The call has been applauded by disabled parking permit holders but Brisbane City Mayor Adrian Schrinner said business owners haven’t yet jumped on board.
“We are open to that but at this stage we haven’t had any interest in that from the shop owners in recent times,” he told Nine News
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