Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the fine for people who illegally use designated disabled parking spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27389/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Measures to strengthen provisions were put in place in amendments to the Road Traffic Acts from 2004 to 2007. Offences include submitting a false declaration in the application for a permit, and forgery, alteration or other illegal use or lending of a permit.

Gardaí and local authority traffic wardens have powers to inspect permits and to detain any permit that is invalid or is being used in an illegal manner.

The fixed charge of €80 (increasing to €120 after 28 days) that applies to illegal parking in a designated disabled persons parking bay is double the fixed charge that applies to any other illegal parking offence.

I am satisfied with this level of fixed charge. I have no plans to alter it.