Parking on double yellows could be banned
By lain Harrison
ELDERLY and disabled drivers are facing fines for parking on yellow lines.
Ministers have drawn up plans to clamp down on blue badge holders who leave their cars in areas other motorists are barred from.
At present car owners issued with a disabled permit are entitled to park on single and double yellow lines throughout Scotland for an unlimited time. But local authorities claim this causes congestion and poses road safety issues.
Penalty
They want the Scottish Government to remove the right for badge holders to park on double yellows and restrict parking on single yellows to three hours.
Motorists who flout the rules would face a penalty of up to £lOO.
A public consultation on the proposals will run until October. The move has the backing of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents who claim the "no parking on double yellows" rule should apply to all road users.
But it has sparked anger from pensioners' groups and disability organisations. Lindsay Scott of Age Scotland said, "There are areas within these proposals we are concerned about.
"For example, banning people who aren't mobile from parking on yellow lines where parking is at a premium could cause problems."
Blue badges are issued by local authorities to drivers who can provide proof of a disability, condition or illness that restricts their mobility.
Conditions cited on application forms include sciatica, old age, high blood pressure, asthma and cancer.
As well as leaving their car on yellow lines, blue badges allow motorists to park for free in disabled bays in town centres and in car parks.
The number of disabled permits has almost doubled in the last decade. There are now more than 261,000.
Concerns have repeatedly been raised about able- bodied drivers using badges to dodge parking charges.
There have also been reports of legitimate owners selling their badges. Under the new proposals, motorists who abuse the system will face higher fines and the prospect of having their permit seized by parking attendants.
Richard Hamer, of Capability Scotland, welcomed the clampdown on fraud. But he warned, "Public transport is often not accessible so many disabled people have to use a car.
Rethink
"But it's no use if you can't park near where you're going. "We urge the Government to rethink plans to remove blue badge holders' ability to park on double yellow lines and to limit length of stay on single yellow lines.
"Blue badges help people retain their independence by making it easier to access services, visit people, as well as to seek work or education. It mustn't be diminished."
A Scottish Government spokesman said, "This, consultation is looking to enhance the blue badge scheme by improving the application process and proposing tougher penalties.
From the Dunfermline Press |
