New laws increasing penalties for people who illegally park vehicles in bays reserved for people with Australian Council for the Rehabilitation of Disabled (ACROD) authority have been passed by Parliament.
Fines for the misuse of ACROD bays have increased from $300 to $500, with court-imposed penalties increasing from a maximum $2,000 to $5,000.
Minister for Local Government, David Templeman confirmed that the Local Government (Parking for People with Disabilities) Amendment Regulations 2020 were now in effect.
“The regulation changes will mean WA has some of the toughest penalties for illegal parking in disability bays in Australia,” Mr Templeman said.
“The amendments are a result of ongoing work aimed at improving accessibility for people living with disability.”
He said the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries had been working with the Department of Communities and National Disability Services to support measures that would boost access and inclusion for people living with disability.
“Many Local Governments are establishing parking agreements with private car park owners to facilitate improved monitoring and compliance on land used by the public, such as shopping centres and hospitals,” Mr Templeman said.
“Local Governments will be provided with ongoing support and guidance by the State Government to increase enforcement of illegal parking in ACROD bays across Western Australia.”
