Behaviour change needed to protect mobility parks

Despite a sharp increase in penalties, too many drivers continue to park illegally in mobility spaces.

In October last year, the Government increased the infringement fee for parking illegally in a public mobility parking space monitored by local councils from $150 to $750. The change was introduced to deter misuse and support better access for mobility permit holders.

However, without clear and consistent signage and consistent enforcement, many drivers remain unaware of the steep penalties, or the impact their actions have on those who genuinely need these spaces.

“We continue to hear from disabled people who face challenges accessing mobility parking spaces due to vehicles parked without mobility permits,” Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha Deputy Chief Executive of Outreach and Innovation Rebecca Elvy says.

“These spaces are essential for enabling access to everyday services and activities, they are not a ‘nice to have’.”

While public fines have increased, private parking operators set their own mobility parking penalties. These spaces, often found in car parking facilities, large retail developments, and malls are monitored and enforced by enforcement operators contracted by business owners.

Businesses are also being encouraged to review their signage and guidelines to ensure people are aware of the risks of parking in a space needed by those with limited mobility.

The Ministry has recently been assisting Wilson Parking with advice in their work to both improve the visibility of their signage and raise breach fees, which have now increased from $85 to $250 in key city locations.

“This is not about increasing revenue but supporting the behaviour change encouraged by the Government’s changes last year,” Rebecca Elvy says.

“Even if people are just popping into a park for five minutes, we need them to realise this can have a big flow-on impact for people with mobility issues.

“It is our hope that the number of fines decrease as clear signage and consistent enforcement help ensure mobility parking spaces are available for those who genuinely need them.”