Report misuse of disabled parking bays

A WHISTLE-blowing platform to report drivers who misuse disabled parking bays was established by the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) recently. QASA spokesman, Ari Seirlis, said the association was adamant that if you don’t use a wheelchair, then don’t use the wheelchair parking facilities.

“The platform was set up to allow the general public to inform QASA of abusers of these facilities, which are so important to the rights and freedom of wheelchair-users. If you see someone misusing a wheelchair-demarcated parking bay, please take a photo (ensuring the vehicle registration is clear and the wheelchair parking sign is visible) and WhatsApp it to 073 853 9675, including the location, date and time, and QASA will sensitise the offender,” Seirlis said.

Wheelchair parking bays are traditionally 3.5m wide to cater for a wheelchair user needing the extra space to enter or exit the vehicle.

“The convenience of the location, often being close to the entrance areas, is the main reason why theses spaces are abused. QASA calls on the general public of South Africa to please be considerate and not use wheelchair-demarcated parking unless you use a wheelchair,” Seirlis said.

The issue, which is widespread, has seen a number of disabled parking bays being illegally used in the Durban North and uMhlanga areas.

Aileen Rodel, events manager at Gateway Theatre of Shopping, said parking bays at the centre have clear signboards warning motorists they are only meant for the disabled.

“We have a zero tolerance approach to illegal parking within disabled bays, and perpetrators are clamped and fined by parking and security personnel, who work hand-in-hand in combating the abuse of the special needs parking,” she said.