Facebook page for parking cheats

INSTANT FAME: The new Facebook page aims to deter able-bodied drivers from using parking spaces reserved for the disabled.

A Facebook page has been launched to shame able-bodied Northland drivers who use parking spaces reserved for the disabled.

'Naughty Northland Parking Offenders' has been set up by Whangarei disability advocate Kim Robinson, who was inspired to establish a "mobility parking wall of shame" during a visit to the Tikipunga shops, where he found three vehicles without permits parked in clearly marked mobility spaces. To make matters worse, a security van was parked on the access strip next to one of the spaces, blocking wheelchair access to the footpath.

"I mentioned this to one of the store owners, and it turns out they're too scared to ask the drivers of those vehicles to move, out of fear of being assaulted," Mr Robinson said.

Misuse of mobility parks was a worldwide problem caused by ignorance, he added, and Northland was no exception. Despite nationwide campaigns and regular media coverage, such as a recent case where a property developer left his $400,000 Lamborghini in a mobility parking space at an Auckland mall, people continued to misuse the spaces.

Some countries used heavy fines to deter misuse, while others offered only a slap on the wrist. New Zealand needed to consider raising the fines it imposed, he said. Illegal parkers usually moved when asked, although some offered excuses.

He recommended calling the local council about cars parked illegally in council-owned spaces; for private carparks, such as malls and supermarkets, a store owner should be informed.

People could also submit photos to his Facebook page, together with the location, date and time. The photo should show the car, including registration plate, company name if any, and the top of the dashboard to show the driver had no permit. He urged people to take photos only if it was safe to do so.

"Don't leave abusive notes on the windscreens of non-mobility permit holders. This doesn't help. And remember to check for the permit, not the person. Some people have hidden disabilities that genuinely require the need to use those mobility spaces," he added.

Mr Robinson is also setting up a group of Mobility Parking Ambassadors, members of the public who will keep an eye on their local parking spaces and educate drivers who are tempted to misuse them.

- Mobility spaces don't come free for those who are entitled to use them. They have to get a doctor's approval, then apply to CCS, which administers the scheme. Short-term permits cost $35; long-term permits are $50 for five years. Go to wwwmobilityparking.org.nz for more information.

To post a photo, go to www.facebook.com/northlandparking (or type Naughty Northland Parking Offenders into Facebook's search bar). As of last week the page had shamed two delivery trucks blocking multiple mobility parks, one at ASB Stadium in Whangarei, the other at McDonald's in Kerikeri.