MSP: Since Trust Hasn't Worked, It's Time To Try Parking Fines
By Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
November 28, 2006

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND--Since the honor system hasn't worked, a Scottish lawmaker wants try penalties to curb the abuse of parking spots designated for people with disabilities.

Up to this point, according to the Evening News, most parking rules have not been enforced, instead relying on trust and the occasional nagging of concerned passersby that motorists without disabilities will 'do the right thing'.

Unfortunately, the trend toward large, more expensive vehicles has led many drivers to use the accessible spots because they are wider and there is much less risk of their precious vehicles getting scratched or dented.

Jackie Baillie, a member of the Scottish Parliament, has introduced a bill to make sure those who improperly park in such designated zones will have to pay the price.

"I don't think people realize the impact it has on disabled people when these bays are abused. It often means they can't stop and go into the shop because it is too far," Ms. Baillie told the Edinburgh Evening News.

Baillie said her bill does not yet specify how illegal parkers would be penalized because she wants to hear ideas on how to best deal with the problem.

The bill is being supported by disability organizations, including the Disability Rights Commission, Inclusion Scotland and the Scottish Disability Equality Forum.

Related:
"Disabled parking-bay cheats face stiff fines under new law" (Evening News)
http://news.scotsman.com/politics.cfm?id=1723402006&format=print

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Reproduced here under special arrangement with Inclusion Daily Express international disability rights news service.
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