Disabled Persons Parking Bill Passes Final Stage

02 March 2009

Disabled parking bays, which are under the control of Scotland’s thirty-two local authorities, are to become legally enforceable after MSPs voted in favour Jackie Baillie’s Members Bill.

There are an estimated one million disabled people resident in Scotland - around a quarter are registered Blue Badge holders who will benefit from this Bill.

After the debate Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands Labour regional MSP, wholeheartedly gave her backing to the legislation, "This bill will make a positive contribution to disabled people’s lives across Scotland.

"For too long disabled people have had to rely on the courtesy of others not to park in disabled spaces, this Bill will ensure that such spaces are legally enforceable.

"I would urge all drivers in the Highlands and Islands to respect the needs of disabled people and not use the parking spaces specially designated for them.

"I am pleased to see that the Scottish Parliament has passed this Bill and I hope it will send a strong message to those who suffer disabled parking abuse that the parliament is on their side.

"As well as the duty on local authorities, the bill further requires councils to contact owners and/or operators of private car parks including supermarkets and out of town retail centres to negotiate an agreement which would make their disabled persons’ parking places enforceable.

Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton MSP, added, "I am delighted that my Members Bill was has been passed by the Scottish Parliament and will now become law.

"The abuse of disabled parking is a quality of life issue and it is a profoundly upsetting problem for disabled people.

" I hope this legislation will make it that bit easier for disabled people to go about their day to day lives."