Penalty for parking in disabled bay without a permit is doubled

The fixed charge for motorists who park in spaces for disabled drivers without displaying a valid permit has almost doubled.

Announcing the move on Monday, Minister for Transport Shane Ross said: "In response to the selfish and thoughtless behaviour of certain motorists who think it is alright to park in a disabled bay without a permit, thereby depriving disabled drivers of safe, convenient access to parking spaces reserved for them, I have decided that the fixed charge should be increased from €80 to €150.

“I hope that this increased charge will encourage able-bodied motorists to refrain from taking parking spaces reserved for those who need them.”

The new charge came into effect on March 1st.