Bid to enforce parking rights of disabled motorists reaches Holyrood

The Scotsman

PROPOSALS aimed at tackling the abuse of disabled parking bays will be officially lodged at Holyrood today.
If passed by the Scottish Parliament, the Disabled Persons Parking (Scotland) Bill would make all disabled persons' parking bays enforceable.

At present, most disabled parking bays are courtesy only, so anyone can park in them without the risk of being penalised.
The member's bill, drawn up by Labour MSP Jackie Baillie, would cover all disabled parking bays - whether in town centres, supermarket car parks or residential areas.
It has already received broad support from a steering group made up of experts in disability rights, equal opportunities and local government.
Speaking ahead of the launch of a consultation paper , Ms Baillie said: "Abuse of disabled persons' parking has to be tackled.
"Put simply, but powerfully, one disabled person said to me, 'If you want my bay, have my disability, too'.
"We need to send out the message that abusing disabled persons' parking is unacceptable."