Ouch! That's going to hurt

Motorists who park in a disabled bay without displaying a valid permit will find themselves facing a whopper of a fine from now on.

The fixed charge penalty is to almost double, from €80 to €150, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD, has announced.

The minister described those who park in such spaces without a permit as being “selfish and thoughtless”.

“Disabled parking bays may only be used if the card holder is driving or travelling in the car,” the Minister advised.

“Able-bodied relatives or friends may not use this card for their own benefit, and it is an offence to forge or fraudulently alter any permit, or to lend or allow a permit to be used by any person other than the holder.”

Motorists who receive fines for breaking the rules have 28 days to pay the fixed charge of €150, which rises to €225 if paid within the following 28 days. Failure to pay will result in proceedings being initiated.

The parking card scheme is administered by the Disabled Drivers Association and the Irish Wheelchair Association, and cards are issued to those who meet the medical eligibility criteria. Disabled drivers can download a form from the Disabled Drivers Association, which must then be completed and certified by a doctor, and countersigned by a Garda.