New partnership tackles mobility parking abuse in private car parks
CCS Disability Action and Wilson Parking have launched a groundbreaking partnership to reduce mobility parking abuse in private car parks across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Mobility parking spaces are more than just convenience – they’re a lifeline. For disabled people and their whānau, these spaces enable access to work, healthcare, education, and community life. But every day, these spaces are misused – by people without permits or those using them fraudulently. The impact is real: missed appointments, increased isolation, and unnecessary stress.
While enforcement in public spaces is governed by the Land Transport Act 1998 – with fines for misuse recently increased from $150 to $750 – private car parks fall outside this legislation. Enforcement in these spaces relies on private operators and is guided by the Code of Practice for Parking Enforcement on Private Land. This often results in inconsistent enforcement and limited accountability for those who misuse mobility spaces.
That’s why this new partnership is so exciting. CCS Disability Action and Wilson Parking have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a secure digital portal that allows approved parking enforcement providers to verify the validity of Mobility Parking Permits. This initiative will help ensure that mobility parking spaces are used appropriately and that enforcement is fair and accurate.
Wilson Parking is the largest private parking operator in New Zealand, managing over 200 car parks and parking more than 30,000 vehicles daily across major cities. This gives the partnership the potential to significantly improve access for disabled people in high-demand urban areas where mobility parking abuse is most prevalent.
BJ Clark, National Manager Mobility Parking at CCS Disability Action, says the partnership is a major step forward:
“Mobility parking abuse isn’t just inconvenient – it’s harmful. It undermines the rights of disabled people to participate in everyday life. This partnership with Wilson Parking means we can better protect those rights and ensure that mobility parking spaces are available to those who genuinely need them.”
Wilson Parking is providing financial support to enable the creation of the secure verification system. The system will help enforcement teams confirm whether a permit is valid and being used by the correct person, without compromising privacy.
The initiative builds on CCS Disability Action’s long-standing role as the administrator of New Zealand’s Mobility Parking Permit Scheme, which currently supports over 180,000 permit holders nationwide.
This partnership represents a bold and practical solution to a long-standing issue – and a meaningful step toward a more inclusive and accessible Aotearoa.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new partnership between CCS Disability Action and Wilson Parking?
CCS Disability Action and Wilson Parking have partnered to reduce mobility parking abuse in private car parks. Together, we are developing a secure digital portal that allows approved enforcement teams to verify whether a Mobility Parking Permit is valid and being used by the correct person.
Why is this partnership needed?
Mobility parking abuse is widespread, especially in privately managed car parks where enforcement is inconsistent. This partnership fills a critical gap in enforcement and helps protect the rights of disabled people to access their communities safely and fairly.
Will this lead to more fines for the public?
The goal is not to increase fines, but to ensure that mobility parking spaces are used appropriately. Enforcement will be targeted at those misusing designated mobility spaces. If you are parking legally and respectfully, this change will not affect you.
Are the fees issued by Wilson Parking considered legal fines?
No. Wilson Parking is a private company and cannot issue government fines. Instead, they issue breach notices, which are contractual fees for violating the terms of parking. These are not criminal penalties, but they are enforceable under contract law.
What happens to the money collected from breach notices?
Wilson Parking has committed to reinvesting proceeds from breach notices related to mobility parking abuse back into the disability community. This ensures the initiative is not about profit – it’s about impact and inclusion.
How will this help mobility parking permit holders?
Permit holders will benefit from:
Improved access to designated spaces
Reduced misuse by non-permit holders
Fairer enforcement that protects their rights
Greater dignity and independence when accessing public spaces.
Is my personal information safe in the new system?
Yes. The portal will provide restricted access to permit data, only allowing enforcement teams to verify validity and match the permit to the registered holder. No sensitive medical or personal details will be shared.
What if I forget to display my Mobility Parking Permit correctly – will I be fined?
We understand that mistakes happen. If you are a genuine permit holder and forget to display your permit, you may receive a breach notice. However, Wilson Parking has a clear and accessible dispute resolution process.
Permit holders can contact Wilson Parking directly to explain the situation and provide evidence of a valid permit. We are confident that genuine users of the scheme will be treated fairly – just as they would be under public parking enforcement. This system is designed to protect access for disabled people, not to penalise them unfairly.
Why is Wilson Parking involved in this initiative?
Wilson Parking is partnering with CCS Disability Action to support fair and respectful use of mobility parking spaces in private car parks. As New Zealand’s largest private parking operator, they are uniquely positioned to help improve access for disabled people in high-demand urban areas.
Their support for the development of a secure permit verification portal reflects a commitment to inclusion. Importantly, Wilson Parking has pledged to reinvest proceeds from breach notices related to mobility parking abuse back into the disability community – ensuring this initiative delivers meaningful impact.
Who is eligible for a Mobility Parking Permit?
You may be eligible if:
You are unable to walk and always require a wheelchair
Your ability to walk is severely restricted by a medical condition
You require close supervision to move safely due to disorientation, anxiety, or confusion.
A medical practitioner must confirm your eligibility.
How do I apply or renew my permit?
Visit CCS Disability Action’s website or call 0800 MOB PARK (0800 662 7275). You’ll need a completed application form and a medical certificate unless you are renewing a long-term permit.