ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The provincial government has made amendments to the Accessible Parking Regulations, previously known as the Designated Mobility Impaired Parking Regulations, a news release stated on Wednesday.
The regulations were published on Friday, April 12, in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette and are effective from that date.
The changes make it easier to conduct enforcement against those who park illegally, and also help support compliance with accessible parking rules.
Service NL had representation from the City of St. John’s on potential improvements to the former Designated Mobility Impaired Parking Regulations to support enforcement and compliance regarding issues such as signage and the size of accessible parking spaces.
The release notes fines for illegally parking in a blue zone previously increased from a range of $100 to $400 to a range of $400 to $700, and came into effect on Jan. 3, 2018. The increases were made to enhance deterrence against illegal parking in designated accessible spaces.
Changes to the Highway Traffic Act in the fall of 2018 allowed for the adoption of standards in the previous Designated Mobility Impaired Parking Regulations. The amendment facilitates regulatory improvements by providing the minister of Service NL with the authority to adopt codes or standards for accessible parking, including those of the Canadian Standards Association and Transport Canada. The new regulations also include more inclusive language, respectful of persons with disabilities.
