Redland City Council has adopted amendments to Subordinate Local Law No. 5 (Parking) 2015, bringing the penalty for illegal parking in disability parking spaces in line with that of the State Government.

Mayor Karen Williams said it was important that people who held a disability parking permit could readily access disability parking bays.

“Disability parking bays are bigger than regular car spots and usually located closer to the facilities they service,” Cr Williams said.

“But unfortunately they are not always available to the people who need them when other motorists illegally park there.

“To bring Council’s penalty in line with that of the Queensland Police Service, and act as a deterrent to unauthorised users, the fine will increase from $186 to $533.”

Subordinate Local Law No. 5 (Parking) 2015 will also introduce a regulated parking area for the new Moores Road Car Park in Redland Bay.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the newly built car park would help deliver equitable parking for Southern Moreton Bay island residents and other commuters using the marina precinct.

“Regulated parking allows for a range of timed parking options to cater for people needing short, medium and longer term parking,” he said.

“The addition of this new car parking area on Moores Road is an integral part of the overall masterplan of the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area (PDA) redevelopment project and will serve as overflow parking while works on the northern side of the creek commence.”

Councillor Williams said the amendment was adopted following a month of community consultation that showed public support for the move.

“Not surprisingly, two thirds of participants who made submissions to Council’s YourSay webpage were from the Southern Moreton Bay islands.

“Eighty-five percent supported the increase in fines for unauthorised parking in disability parking spots, with 55 percent in favour of the introduction of regulated parking at Moores Road.

“Council will advise the community prior to any new regulated parking and associated compliance activities coming into effect at Moores Road, which is anticipated to be when other car parks areas are temporarily closed as the terminal is redeveloped.”