MOBILITY PARKING




Changes to Mobility Parking
Research Studies
What is the Mobility Parking Permit Scheme?
Who can use it?
What can you do with a Mobility Parking Permit?
Display of Mobility Parking Permits
Travelling Overseas
Overseas Travellers
How do I get a Permit?
How much does a Permit cost?
Does my Permit apply to my vehicle or to me?
Loss or theft of a Mobility Parking Permit
Queries and Complaints
Bulk Supplies

Changes to Mobility Parking
CCS has been working with the Ministry of Transport to make changes to legislation so fine levels for the misuse of mobility parking spaces can be increased. As a result, a new amendment to the Road Transport Rules has been established and came into effect on 17 January 2008.

Read our press release about the changes to the Road Transport Rule.  You can also read the press release about research we we completed earlier this year on painting mobility parking spaces.

In summary, the new rule states that only vehicles where the driver or passenger is disabled, with an approved disabled person’s parking permit, such as a CCS Disability Action Mobility Parking Permit, prominently displayed in the vehicle are able to use a mobility parking space.

 ·  Please note that this legislation change is to on-road public parking only and does not include     private parking providers such as supermarkets and shopping malls.
 ·  With the new Rule, fines can now be increased for the misuse of a mobility park.  We     anticipate that the fine will increase to $150 and will be in place before the end of June 2008.
 ·  Permit holders must make sure that their Mobility Parking Permit is valid and clearly visible     when using mobility parking spaces.

To read the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule (No 2) 2007 click here
To read the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 click here

Research Studies
We have completed two pieces of research about mobility parking.

Click here to read about a 2006 research study into who uses (or misuses) mobility parks.

Click here to read about

What is the Mobility Parking Permit Scheme?
The Mobility Parking Permit Scheme is an officially recognised concession-parking scheme owned and administered by CCS Disability Action with the cooperation of local GP’s and all city and district councils.

A Mobility Parking Permit enables disabled people to park conveniently close to their destination in accessible reserved parking spaces or park longer than the stated time in some standard car parks and metered spaces.

Disabled people who qualify receive a parking permit with a membership number. The permit must be clearly displayed on the inside of the windscreen or on the dashboard while the permit holder is parked in a designated mobility car park or standard parking space.

Who can use it?
Disabled people must meet set criteria. They must:
· Be unable to walk and be reliant on a wheelchair for mobility, or
· Rely on mobility devices (eg. crutches, walking sticks, walking frames), or
· Be unable to walk more than 200 metres unassisted because of the nature/severity of their condition

People with a temporary disability may also be eligible.

What can you do with a Mobility Parking Permit?
You can use:
· Accessible car parks (outlined in yellow and displaying the wheelchair symbol)
· Standard car parks and metered spaces for longer than stated times
· Time-restricted zones, eg. P30 for longer than stated times as set out in local bylaws

Parking concessions can vary with city and district councils so please check the current allowances for your area.

Mobility Parking Permits DO NOT ALLOW:
· Stopping, standing or parking
· on clearways
· in bus lanes
· on broken yellow lines
· on Bus Stops
· on Taxi Stands
· on Goods Loading Zones
· on No Stopping Zones
· all day parking on Metered Spaces or Restricted Zones
· double parking
· anywhere else where stopping or parking is not permitted

Abuse of the permit by persons other than the permit holder may result in the permit being withdrawn, as may abuse of the parking privileges including persistent over staying or failure to pay where required. See the section below on complaints if you want to do something about abuse of mobility parking permits and parks.

Display of Mobility Parking Permits
It is the responsibility of the permit holder to ensure that the permit is displayed visibly on the dashboard of the vehicle if they wish to avoid a parking infringement notice. Having a permit and not displaying it, is not necessarily a guarantee against receiving a ticket. In most cases the local bylaw creates the offence of "Failing to display a valid Mobility Parking Permit".

Travelling Overseas
New Zealand Mobility Parking Permits may not be accepted in other countries or jurisdictions, for example, local councils in the UK. Permit holders are recommended to establish with the authorities in their destination country, before leaving New Zealand, whether New Zealand Mobility Parking Permits are accepted.

Overseas Travellers
CCS administers the Mobility Parking Permit Scheme but the provision and enforcement of car parks is the responsibility of local councils and private parking providers.

Overseas visitors are recommended to obtain a short-term permit whilst in New Zealand as some councils and private parking enforcement agencies will issue offence notices to any non-complying permits. Contact the nearest CCS Disability Action branch once you have arrived in New Zealand to arrange for a short-term permit for your visit. A fee will apply.

How do I get a Permit?
All applications have to be certified by a doctor. Your doctor, medical specialist or nearest CCS Disability Action branch has application forms.

Click here to view an online application form and information sheet

How much does a Permit cost?
Short-term permits, valid for up to 12 months   $30.00 incl GST
Long-term permits, last for a five-year term     $45.00 incl GST

Note that these fees are correct as at September 2003, but are subject to change.

Does my Permit apply to my vehicle or to me?
The permit applies to the person to whom it has been issued. The permit holder can only use the Mobility Parking Permit when they are in the vehicle displaying the permit and whilst going about their activities.

The permit cannot be used by anyone else using the same vehicle.

If you are a passenger in someone else's car you can still use your permit.

Loss or theft of a Mobility Parking Permit
If your permit has been lost or stolen, or you or your family member no longer requires the permit please notify the nearest CCS Disability Action branch as soon as possible.

If a replacement permit is needed the owner of the lost or stolen permit can fill in a replacement application form for a new permit to be issued. The old permit number will be cancelled and marked as invalid.

Queries and Complaints
Please refer any queries or complaints to your nearest CCS Disability Action branch.

If you have any queries or complaints about the use of a mobility park please contact the parking provider concerned, ie. local council or the owner of the site the parks are situated on. CCS Disability Action administers the Mobility Parking Permit Scheme but we are not responsible for the provision or enforcement of mobility parks.

Ordering Bulk Supplies of Forms
If you are a medical centre or doctor's surgery and need a bulk supply of forms for your clients, please contact your nearest CCS Disability Action branch and they will be able to send them to you.