Member for Bega Andrew Constance on Wednesday warned drivers the NSW Government was introducing the demerit point penalty, on top of the existing fine for the behaviour.

“This is not negotiable. These are some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” Mr Constance said.

“We as a government will not stand for the careless actions of able-bodied people who steal disabled car parks for their own convenience.

 “They deny vulnerable members of our community close access to facilities such as shops and hospitals and adequate room to get in and out of their vehicles.

 “Now, anyone caught parking in a disabled car park without holding a valid mobility parking sticker will get a significant $519 fine and will also receive a demerit point penalty.

“The demerit point will apply wherever disabled parking offences are enforced, whether on a public road or in a car park.

“People who think about parking illegally in disabled car parks need to know the demerit point penalty can contribute towards licence suspension and also make drivers ineligible for discounted driver’s licences renewal fees and reduced insurance premiums.

“We want the demerit point to make people think twice before they deny disabled people of these critical car parks,” Mr Constance said

 The public can report abuse of the NSW Mobility Parking Scheme by phoning 1300 884 899.

 More information on the Mobility Parking Scheme is available by clicking here.