Disabled parking bays – ACROD permit required

Disabled parking bays - ACROD permit required

MEDIA RELEASE - Disabled parking bays - ACROD permit required

January 2015

A number of parking bays for people with a disability are provided in all four towns of the Shire of Manjimup.These bays are reserved for those who hold an Australian Disability Parking Permit and an ACROD Parking Program Card, or interstate equivalent, to enable them easier access within the communities of Manjimup, Northcliffe, Pemberton and Walpole.

Shire President Wade DeCampo emphasised how important it is that the community respects the requirements of disabled parking bays.

"The parking bays for people with a disability are clearly marked and signed, and the Shire Rangers ensure that these parking bays are utilised by permit holders only as their mobility is limited, and not by a person who should be parking in a general bay," added Cr DeCampo.

"The disabled parking bays are to enable permit holders to be in the vicinity of the facility or premises they seek to visit and also to allow for additional space for a wheelchair or walking apparatus to be manoeuvred," said Cr DeCampo. "The permit doesn't allow for a friend or family member who is not the person with the disability to park in a disability parking bay, unless they are transporting the permit holder on a visit."

The number of disabled parking bays in Manjimup is 30, four in Pemberton, two in Northcliffe and six in Walpole. The fine for parking in a disability parking bay without displaying a valid permit is now $300.

The National Disability Service, which in Western Australia is the ACROD Parking Program, grants the permits to people who cannot walk and require the use of a wheelchair, or are otherwise severely restricted.

"Permit holders need to display their permits correctly to avoid an infringement," urged Cr DeCampo. In Western Australia, the disability parking permit consists of two elements which are only valid when displayed together - an Australian Disability Parking Permit plastic pocket and an ACROD Parking Program Card which will display a permit number and expiry date.

To make an application for a disability parking permit, please contact the ACROD Parking Program by visiting www.app.org.au or by phoning 08 9242 5544.

-ENDS-

Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Manjimup.

Contact: 9771 7777

Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Public Relations Officer, Shire of Manjimup

Contact: 9771 7777

Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.

Contact: 0427 094 081