The Socialist Party intends to increase the amounts of fines imposed for parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities without having a Parking Card for People with Reduced Mobility (PMR) up to 500 euros. A measure with which they seek to reduce the number of cases that occur per year, hindering accessibility for people with a disability equal to or greater than 33%.
According to article 94 of the General Traffic Regulations, “it is Stopping and parking in areas marked for the exclusive use of the disabled is prohibited.“Currently, the amount of this type of fine is 200 euros, although it can be reduced by up to half if it is paid early. However, the request of the PSOE is that this amount increase more than double, up to 500 eurosto dissuade those people who do not respect this type of places.
The main argument to defend this increase in the amount of fines is the difficulty suffered by people with disabilities when parking in the spaces that are specifically reserved for your use. A difficulty that not only arises from the improper use of these spaces, but also also of its scarcity. Well, they must be located in adapted areas that allow full accessibility to the building or street.
PSOE and SUMAR seek that this infraction be considered very serious
As these are fines that can be reduced to 100 euros, the PSOE claims that “they are not at all dissuasive.” Therefore, they consider that, at increase the amount to 500 euros, being reduced to 250 euros If paid early, it can be an effective way to ensure that other drivers respect and do not occupy these types of positions.
A measure that seeks to reform the Law on Traffic, Motor Vehicle Circulation and Road Safety and that has the support of SUMAR and the Spanish Committee of Representatives of People with Disabilities (CERMI). The latter has also asked the parliamentary groups of the Congress of Deputies that this infraction be considered serious and lead to loss of points of the driving license.
The amendment presented by PSOE and SUMAR managed to get ahead with 169 votes in favor and 177 abstentions, according to “Newtral.” This bill was introduced in the bill that seeks reduce the maximum permitted alcohol level for drivers, as well as the prohibition of traffic control warnings. All of this, as the socialists explained, “would contribute to preventing uncivil behavior and strengthening the protection of people with reduced mobility.”
7% of the parking spaces offered must be reserved for people with disabilities
The usefulness of these places lies in their adaptability and easy accessibility for those people who have a disability equal to or greater than 33%. These are usually found in the areas closest to hospitals, homes or shops and, by law, at least 7% of the spaces must be allocated to people who have a medical certificate proving the disability and the Parking Card for People with Reduced Mobility.
In order to distinguish them from the rest of the parking spaces, it is necessary to pay attention to the signage. These usually have a vertical sign which indicates that only people with disabilities can use said space. Besides, Its size is usually larger to the rest of the car parks, to facilitate exit with a wheelchair or crutches, as explained by the Royal Automobile Club of Spain.
This measure must continue its parliamentary journey in Congress. Therefore, for the moment, the fines for this type of infractions They will continue to be 200 eurosreduced to 100 euros if paid in advance. Likewise, this type of fines can be appealed within a period of 20 calendar days after being notified, although, if appealed, the possibility of reducing the amount by half will be lost.