The State Government has amended regulations to increase penalties for people who illegally park vehicles in ACROD bays in Western Australia.
Fines for the misuse of ACROD bays will increase from $300 to $500, with court-imposed penalties to increase from a maximum of $2,000 to $5,000.
The regulation changes will mean WA has some of the toughest penalties for illegal parking in disability bays in Australia, reflecting the McGowan Government's strong commitment to addressing this issue.
The Local Government (Parking for People with Disabilities) Amendment Regulations 2020 will come into effect on April 25.
The amendments are a result of ongoing work aimed at improving accessibility for people living with disability.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries has been working with the Department of Communities and National Disability Services to support measures that will boost access and inclusion for people living with disability.
Many local governments are establishing parking agreements with private car park owners to facilitate improved monitoring and compliance on land used by the public, such as shopping centres and hospitals.
Local governments will be provided with ongoing support and guidance by the State Government to increase enforcement of illegal parking in ACROD bays across Western Australia.
As stated by Local Government Minister David Templeman:
"The increase in penalties will act as a greater deterrent to the illegal and improper use of ACROD parking bays.
"They will also help to raise community awareness about the importance of parking accessibility for people with disability.
"I commend local governments that are taking a proactive approach to ensuring all members of our community have access to much-needed parking.
"These changes might be tough, but they are necessary to ensure people living with disability can access ACROD bays when they need them."
As stated by Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The WA community, by and large, strongly supports people with disability and measures to support accessible venues.
"These penalties will target those few people who fail to recognise how important measures such as ACROD parking bays are to those who need them most.
"These bays are crucial to assisting people with mobility issues - who have a valid ACROD permit - with everyday functions such as visiting the shops and other venues.
"People illegally parking in these parking bays have indicated that such penalties are a significant deterrent."
Local Government Minister's office - 6552 5400
