13.11.06 -  Members Bill lodged by Jackie Baillie

If you want my bay, have my disability too.  

Jackie Baillie MSP has today formally lodged a Member’s Bill proposal aimed at tackling the abuse of disabled persons parking bays.

 The Disabled Persons Parking (Scotland) Bill proposed by the Labour MSP for Dumbarton has already received broad support from a Steering Group representing expertise in disability rights, equal opportunities and local government and is now set to make real progress.

 If passed by the Scottish Parliament, the Bill would make all disabled persons parking bays enforceable. At present, most disabled parking bays are courtesy only and therefore anyone can park in them without the risk of being penalised. Jackie’s Bill plans to cover all disabled parking bays regardless of whether they are in town centres, supermarket car parks or residential areas.

 Speaking at the launch of the consultation paper, she said:

 “Abuse of disabled persons parking needs to be tackled.” 

 “It is still often the case that disabled drivers are unable to find parking facilities either outside their home, at a retail outlet or down the road at their local high street. In many instances, the reason for this is that able bodied drivers are abusing these spaces. Many disabled drivers feel that their rights are not respected and the impact of being unable to use a bay is not understood. Put simply, but powerfully, one disabled person said to me “if you want my bay, have my disability too”. We need to act now to send out the message that abusing disabled persons parking is unacceptable.”

 “I am delighted to have the active support of leading disability organisations including the Disability Rights Commission, Inclusion Scotland and the Scottish Disability Equality Forum in helping to develop this Bill. Hopefully we will improve the experience of disabled people accessing parking bays in future. ”

  Indicating his support for the Bill, Councillor Jackie Maceira said:

“ Disabled people all over Scotland will welcome this bill, it will make life much easier for disabled people to park in designated bays. We should applaud Jackie Baillie for taking up the cudgels and running with this.”

The Disability Rights Commission Scotland added:

"The DRC welcomes moves to simplify and streamline how parking bays for blue badge holders are designated and enforced.  We look forward to studying Jackie Baillie MSP's proposals in the consultation, and to working with her to find a practical solution to an issue which, as we know from calls to our helpline, concerns many disabled people in Scotland."

 Jackie is keen to get a wide range of views on her proposal. Anyone wishing to participate in the consultation process can contact her for a copy of the consultation paper. The consultation period ends on 26 February 2007. 

Copies of the Consultation paper can be obtained by calling 0131 348 5905 or emailing [email protected]