Protest against ‘significant’ misuse of disabled parking

The illegal parking of drivers in disabled parking bays has become a “significant” problem in Cavan Town and wheelchair users came together to highlight the issue in Cavan Town centre last Friday afternoon.

They are urging motorists not to park in designated spots for people with disabilities, stressing there is “no excuse” for it.

Wheelchair users across Cavan came together last Friday, July 22 to draw attention to the problem.

The ‘Back in 5’ campaign aims to highlight the considerable impact parking in an accessible space can have on a person with a disability, even if it is just for “five minutes”.

The protest took place on Main Street, Cavan, as wheelchairs were placed in eight general use car spaces in the centre of the town.

Cavan Disability Network, Cavan County Council, Cavan County Local Development and An Garda Síochána came together with wheelchair users and their families to promote the Irish Wheelchair Association’s campaign.

There are currently almost 75,000 Disabled Drivers Parking Permits in circulation in Ireland.

“The availability of wheelchair-accessible parking spaces is an essential lifeline for motorists with disabilities. Unfortunately, these spaces are often occupied by able-bodied drivers, and this issue has become a significant problem in Cavan Town,” read a statement from the local branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association.

“Accessible parking spots are crucial to people with disabilities due to their size and access to amenities and facilities,” it continued.

Speaking at Friday’s demonstration, Irish Wheelchair Association service co-ordinator, Ruth Fox, explained: “We are here today to raise awareness and to encourage motorists to consider the consequences of using accessible parking bays without disability parking permits.”

“Accessible parking bays are located near amenities for people with disabilities to access; work, education, post office, shops, banks and social events. There is no excuse for using an accessible parking bay without a disability parking permit.

“Irish Wheelchair Association members have heard many excuses, and today we want to highlight to all drivers throughout Cavan Town that this is unacceptable,” she said.

Motorists are also reminded that it is an offence to park in a disabled parking space without an official Disabled Drivers Parking Permit. The offence is dealt with through a fixed charge notice for €150, rising to €225 if not paid in the first 28 days.

For further information about the range of services and support IWA provides to people with physical disabilities in their own homes and communities, please call 049-4371212 or visit www.iwa.ie

Cavan Disability Network was established in 2016 with a purpose of providing a link between the disability community and local government. For more information contact cavandisabilitynetwork@gmail.com or visit www.cavandisabilitynetwork.com