Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on whether it is untrue that disabled parking spaces provided by local authorities are free of charge with no time limit applying; when all local authority car parks will have free parking for disabled drivers with a parking disc; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29945/05]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Transport when disabled parking bays will be painted blue here, as is the practice in other EU states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29946/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.

Traffic and parking regulations made in 1997 under section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 provide that the only vehicles that may stop or park in a disabled person's parking bay are those in which a disabled person's parking permit is displayed, provided the vehicle is being used for the convenience of the person to whom the permit was issued. The prohibition on parking in disabled persons' parking bays applies at all times of the day and may not be restricted to particular periods. Equally there is no provision in the regulations for the imposition of a charge for permit holders using the disabled persons' parking bays.

The provisions contained in the traffic and parking regulations apply in respect of the use of public roads only. Section 101 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 provides that local authorities may make by-laws in respect of the use of car parks they provide. The determination of the provisions in such by-laws is a matter for the elected members of the local authority.

My Department is currently engaged in a consultation process with groups representing the interests of disabled persons, who are engaged in the issue of the disabled persons' parking permits, the Garda Síochána, local authorities and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding the regulatory provisions made under the Road Traffic Acts that relate to the operation of disabled person's parking permits and the use of disabled persons' parking bays. The issue of the future designation of disabled persons' parking bays will be considered in the context of that process.