MSPs to investigate success of disabled parking laws
A Holyrood committee is to investigate whether legislation aimed at tackling the misuse of disabled parking spaces has been effective.
A Holyrood committee is to investigate whether legislation aimed at tackling the misuse of disabled parking spaces has been effective.
The Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009 aimed to make all disabled parking bays under local council control legally enforceable and introduced a fine for those who abused them.
The legislation also required councils to contact the owners and operators of private car parks, including supermarkets and shopping centres, to come to an agreement to make disabled parking places in their car parks enforceable.
Local Government and Communities Committee convener Bob Doris said: "Around one million people in Scotland are disabled and rely on disabled persons' parking in order to access everyday services that most of us take for granted.
"The abuse of these parking spaces can have a hugely negative impact on the lives of those who rely on these spaces.
"We want to hear from people about whether the legislation is working as well as it should be.
"Has the legislation simplified the process and helped to stop the misuse of disabled parking on our high streets, private parking and in residential areas?''
The closing date for submissions to the committee is Monday March 20.