Fine Gael has called for the introduction of penalty points for drivers who illegally park in bays reserved for people with disabilities.
Under the current system, illegal parking in such spaces carries a fine of €80 but no penalty points.
Fine Gael disability spokesman David Stanton TD said parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities were being used regularly by able-bodied drivers.
He said the current penalty was introduced in 2006. “When I questioned Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey about increasing the fines and enforcement for this offence, he said he was satisfied with the fixed charge and had no plans to alter it,” said Mr Stanton.
He added that imposing penalty points would deter persistent offenders and said he would be raising the matter in the Dáil.