John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 269: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will address the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) on the matter of disabled parking spaces in Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17225/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Road Traffic and Parking Regulations made in 1997 under section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 provide that only vehicles in which a disabled person's parking permit is displayed may stop or park in a disabled person's parking bay provided the vehicle is being used for the convenience of the person to whom the permit was issued. From 3 April 2006 a new fixed charge offence of €80 applies to illegal parking in these designated spaces.

The level of this fixed charge increases by 50% to €120 if it not paid within 28 days. A further period of 28 days is allowed for payment of €120 fixed charge. If no payment is received within that 56 day period, a court prosecution is initiated.

Prior to 3 April the fine on the spot for illegal parking was only €19. This significant increase in the financial penalty should act as a deterrent measure against illegal parking in disabled persons parking bays.

I currently have no proposals underway to make parking illegally in a disabled persons parking bay a penalty point offence. Allocation of spaces, monitoring of disabled parking spaces and the provision of electronic warning equipment is a matter for each Local Authority.