Mayo Fine Gael TD John O’Mahony has welcomed plans to overhaul the Disabled Parking Permit Scheme, to eliminate the fraudulent use of parking spaces. The reformed permit scheme, announced by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar, will come into effect on June 1 of this year.
“This is the most radical overhaul of the Disabled Parking Permit Scheme since its introduction 12 years ago,” said Deputy O’Mahony.
The new plans have been drawn up in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disabled Drivers’ Association, and will ensure disabled parking spaces are available for those who need them the most.
“As well as altering the medical eligibility criteria to qualify for a permit, new types of disabled parking bays will also be introduced, such as spaces reserved for set-down and pick-up only. Moreover, local authorities, who are in the best position to understand the specific parking needs in their area, will be given new powers, such as the ability to introduced time-restricted parking bays,” concluded Deputy O’Mahony
