Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 401: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on whether it is true that parking spaces for disabled people provided by local authorities are free of charge with no time limit applying; when all car parks will have free parking for disabled drivers with a parking permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30554/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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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 person's 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 person's parking bays.

The provisions 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.