INDEPENDENT NEWS

Clearly Visible Parking Deterrents Welcomed

Published: Wed 23 Apr 2008 05:00 PM
CLEARLY VISIBLE PARKING DETERRENTS WELCOMED BY DISABLED PEOPLE
MEDIA RELEASE: CCS DISABILITY ACTION
23 April 2008
CCS Disability Action welcomes measures taken by private parking providers to free up parking spaces for genuine Mobility Parking Permit holders.
"Clearly visible and lawful parking deterrents like clamping operations send out a clear message that misuse of mobility parking spaces is not acceptable," says Peter Wilson, Mobility Parking Permit Scheme Manager, CCS Disability Action.
Peter believes that recent legislative changes for mobility parking will have a huge impact on access to public mobility parking but still has concerns with privately owned car parks.
"Some private parking owners are already making their mobility parking spaces more visible and more available, using tools like clamping and towing. We encourage many more to do the same.
Blocking permit holders from getting on with their business, shopping and leisure activities is still a big problem in New Zealand," says Peter Wilson.
There has been a lot of public discussion about clear signage for parking spaces and restrictions.
Research from CCS Disability Action showed that painting public mobility parking spaces with vivid colours deterred misuse.
Before being painted, 55% of people using the mobility parking spaces were doing so illegally, without a valid mobility parking permit.
Research partner Fulton Hogan then painted the parking spaces blue with yellow road markings. The parking spaces were monitored six months later and the level of misuse had dropped to 42%.
During the same period the number of vehicles using the parking spaces with a valid mobility parking permit had risen from 40% to 52%.
Peter Wilson, Mobility Parking Permit Scheme Manager, finds the research encouraging.
"Our studies on public parking spaces show that increased visibility affects the rate of misuse and genuine mobility parking users benefit from the freed up spaces," says Peter Wilson.
Mobility parking permit holders rely on parking spaces to access and contribute to their community.
"Hopefully increased fines, more visible parking and clearly marked deterrents like clamping will mean more permit holders being able to access more public and private parking spaces in their communities," adds Peter Wilson.
*ENDS*
For more information about mobility parking contact:
Peter Wilson
Mobility Parking Permit Scheme Manager
CCS Disability Action, National Office
CCS Disability Action Background Information
CCS Disability Action works in partnership with disabled people, their families, and whanau to ensure equality of opportunity, quality of life, and by helping to create environments of inclusion. New Zealand is made up of disabled people, their families, and whanau; CCS Disability Action aims to assist all people who face barriers on the basis of disability.
CCS Disability Action operates with a National Office and regional management structure, providing services nationally from 16 incorporated societies. We deliver regular services to over 6,000 people with disabilities, making us one of the largest disability support service providers in New Zealand. CCS Disability Action works closely with other disability agencies to make the best use of shared knowledge and resources, helping us to adopt best practice across the sector. CCS Disability Action also works with government to make sure that those with disabilities have the same rights to relationships, learning, work, recreation and community as everyone else.
Our foundation statement, Te Hunga Haua Mauri Mo Nga Tangata Katoa, forms the basis of our identity. It reminds us that all people have mauri, life force, and that all life force is equal. Our vision is to build a truly inclusive New Zealand; a country that embraces diversity.
ENDS

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