The Department of Infrastructure is reminding motorists that the illegal use of designated parking spaces for the disabled could result in a ?120 fixed penalty notice.

The penalty for parking in a designated disabled space was increased at the beginning of August, along with increases across the range of fixed penalty offences.  Previously the fine for parking in a disabled space was ?40, the large increase has been designed to act as a deterrent for those abusing the system.

Minister for Infrastructure, Hon David Cretney MHK said: ‘I have been concerned for some time about the levels of abuse of disabled parking bays and spaces. Over 200 fixed penalties were issued for this offence last year alone.   I hope that the increased fine will make people think twice about misusing these designated spaces which are much needed by disabled badge holders.’