Laois councillor's idea to stop non-permit drivers taking disability spaces

A Laois councillor has suggested a new way to stop "ongoing" abuse of disability parking spaces by motorists with no parking permits and no "empathy".

Cllr Tommy Mulligan who represents the Portlaoise Municipal District, says it is a regular occurrence around his town.

"Shopping centres are private so I know the council has no control there but it is happening a lot in public spaces, there's no one area.

"This is people who don't have permits. People have paid for parking permits who have physical challenges. They end up driving around and even driving back home. There is a lack of empathy. People don't care," he said.

He is suggesting putting a contact number on the pole signs at disability parking spaces.

"It would be a number to text that could go to the parking warden, and he could address it and give a fine. It would be a good way of dealing with it, if you have the manpower," Cllr Mulligan suggests.

He tabled a motion to the June district meeting, where he asks Laois County Council to address the issue in Portlaoise town.

He also wants to know how often Portlaoise is patrolled by traffic wardens, and what areas are covered.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley seconded the motion.

"Wardens do great work. I see them going around the town the whole time, they have a big area to cover. They are strict with anyone in a disability bay and fair play. Whatever about anyone in a normal bay running out of the meter.

"Unfortunately they get terrible abuse for doing their day's work. My understanding is it's a 9 to 5 job and they take lunch as normal. It's an awful job to do and the public aren't simple to deal with. I've seen them abused to the heights," Cllr Dwane Stanley said.

Cllr Marie Walsh knows the issue first hand.

"It was always a pet peeve of mine but now we have a badge. It could spoil someone's day. You're able to go and find another space, it's extremely selfish. People who need these spaces really need them," she said.

Cllr Barry Walsh backs the idea of being able to report the illegal parking and Cllr John Joe Fennelly also defended the wardens' work.

"It's not the fault of wardens. It's driver behaviour. Anyone who hasn't got a permit shouldn't park. It is going on I agree. Maybe we should increase the fines. A lot of people use them to pull in. It's not acceptable," Cllr Fennelly said.

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In response, Laois roads department stated that Laois County Council traffic wardens enforce the requirement for vehicles to display a parking permit if they are in bays designated for disabled parking.

A member of An Garda Siochána can also issue a Fixed Charge Notice. The Disabled Parking Permit must only be used by the person to whom it is issued. Parking fines can be appealed online within 14 days at online appeal portal

The offending driver can either go to court or pay a fine of €150 within 28 days. The amount increases to €225 within the next 28 day period after which they face court prosecution.