Post by Banker on May 3, 2012 7:44:24 GMT 7
The ACT Greens have failed in a bid to dramatically boost the number of disabled car parks across Canberra.
About 3 per cent of Government-controlled car parking, or about 400 spaces, are reserved for people with a disability.
But the Greens say it should be 4 or 5 per cent, and there should be a crackdown on people who use the spaces without a permit.
Greens MLA Caroline Le Couteur put forward a motion in the Legislative Assembly to make changes, but it failed to gain support.
She says it is disappointing.
"I think everyone in Canberra has seen instances where the scarce disabled parking is not just used by disabled people and we would like to see better enforcing of the existing regulations," she said.
But Chief Minister Katy Gallagher says work is underway to meet national standards for disability parking and extra spaces are provided when needed.
"Providing a blanket increase would not necessarily assist those in need while at the same time could disadvantage other users," she said.
Ms Gallagher says parking officers make it a priority to check disability spaces are used properly.
au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/13588169/push-for-more-disabled-parking/
About 3 per cent of Government-controlled car parking, or about 400 spaces, are reserved for people with a disability.
But the Greens say it should be 4 or 5 per cent, and there should be a crackdown on people who use the spaces without a permit.
Greens MLA Caroline Le Couteur put forward a motion in the Legislative Assembly to make changes, but it failed to gain support.
She says it is disappointing.
"I think everyone in Canberra has seen instances where the scarce disabled parking is not just used by disabled people and we would like to see better enforcing of the existing regulations," she said.
But Chief Minister Katy Gallagher says work is underway to meet national standards for disability parking and extra spaces are provided when needed.
"Providing a blanket increase would not necessarily assist those in need while at the same time could disadvantage other users," she said.
Ms Gallagher says parking officers make it a priority to check disability spaces are used properly.
au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/13588169/push-for-more-disabled-parking/