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Disabled parking abuse laws passed | |
(about 5 hours later) | |
New laws to crack down on drivers who abuse disabled parking have been passed by the Scottish Parliament. | |
The legislation aims to deal with the hundreds of drivers said to be misusing blue badges, by giving councils powers to confiscate and cancel them. | |
The Disabled Persons' Parking Badges Bill was brought forward by SNP MSP Dennis Robertson, who is blind. | |
He said abuse of the system was a growing problem and had become "unacceptable". | |
There are 245,000 legitimate blue badge holders in Scotland, and Holyrood's local government committee said misuse of the blue badge scheme was having a "major impact" on the lives of people who rely on disabled parking spaces. | |
In addition, research by agency Transport Scotland said 83% of legitimate badge holders had encountered misuse. | |
Misuse of a blue badge is already an offence, but enforcement powers currently lie with the police. | Misuse of a blue badge is already an offence, but enforcement powers currently lie with the police. |
The legislation will come into force next year. | |