NSW — Getting
tough on people who park illegally in disabled parking
areas is one of the priorities identified in Lake
Macquarie Council's latest disability action plan.
The plan, discussed by councillors
last night, also recommends improving disabled access to
council facilities, making transport more accessible to
people with mobility problems, and better mental health
and respite services.
Cr Laurie Coghlan says he is
pleased that after years of inaction, the council is
prepared to fine people over the misuse of disability
parking areas.
"The council is attempting to
resolve the issue, especially with a number of major
shopping centres having an agreement with the owners of
those properties so that council's rangers can police
disabled shopping centre car parks," Cr Coghlan
said.
"Somebody parks in a disabled thing
and you say something to them, 'oh, I'm just whipping in
here for half a minute to the bank, I won't be long', but
that half a minute has deprived a disabled person of
access to that shopping centre."
