Tackling the Abuse of Off-street Parking for Disabled People in Scotland
Overview
Background & policy context:
This research, conducted on behalf of the Scottish Government, investigated measures used to combat the abuse of parking bays reserved for use by disabled people, through both desk-based research and consultation with car park providers and users (involving in-depth interviews and group discussions) on the most effective measures that can be used in off-street car parks in Scotland. The research also examined the reasons underlying the abuse of such facilities in different contexts and identified the behavioural characteristics and attitudes of different types of abusers. The purpose of this research was to provide advice and assistance for those responsible for the provision of off-street parking in Scotland in adhering to the guidelines as set out in the Disability Discrimination Act 2005.
Objectives:
The objectives of this research were to:
- outline the policy and legislative context;
- identify the factors that lead people to abuse off-street parking facilities for disabled people;
- develop a profile of people who abuse such facilities;
- review enforcement measures;
- offer recommendations for car park providers.
Methodology:
The study involved a range of research methodologies including:
- A desk-top literature review of existing evidence, focusing on the effectiveness of different intervention methods
- Case studies of six car parks, covering a range of interventions, contexts and locations
- Six in-depth interviews with car park providers and 33 in-depth interviews with 'bay abusers'
- Two stakeholder workshops comprising service providers and organisations representing the interests of disabled people.
- Four focus group discussions with disabled and non-disabled people.
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