Survey reveals 'shocking misuse' of mobility parks

New Zealanders should be "truly ashamed" by a survey which shows half the cars parked in mobility parks should not be there, says CCS.

The disability support and advocacy group's mobility parking manager, Peter Wilson, said the survey showed a "shocking misuse" of mobility parks.

The survey, made by CCS before it launched a publicity campaign on the issue, showed the misuse of parks was just as likely in all locations.

"This is a shocking misuse of mobility parks and we should be truly ashamed," Mr Wilson said.

"New Zealand's rate of the misuse of mobility parks is twice that of the UK.

"It's an indication of how our society views disabled and elderly people, whether consciously or unconsciously."

The survey found that 50 per cent of vehicles parked in mobility parks were illegal. Almost half of the drivers appeared to be under 40 and were just as likely to be male as female.

Eleven per cent of the illegally parked cars were trade or business vehicles.

"One of the big issues CCS needs the general public to understand is how mobility parks go a long way towards helping permit holders get on with their day."

The survey found that of the vehicles parked illegally, 50 per cent were there for less than five minutes. But Mr Wilson said those few minutes made a huge difference when it was the only park a person could use.

It might be time, he said, for New Zealand to follow Australia's lead and increase fines for people who misused mobility parks.

- NZPA