The campaign aims to raise awareness of the vital role accessible parking plays in the lives of people with mobility challenges. It includes new temporary signage in Council car parks and senior citizens centres, as well as a community-wide communications push to promote compliance and inclusion.

Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said misuse of these essential parking spaces is not only inconsiderate, it’s unacceptable.

“Accessible parking spaces are dedicated specifically to those in our community who require them,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“In recent years we’ve seen a significant increase in these spaces being used by people that don’t have a permit. It’s simple, if you don’t have a permit, don’t park there.”

Between January 2018 and May 2025, Council has issued nearly 6,000 fines to people caught misusing disability parking spaces. Fines for failure to correctly display or present a valid Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) permit exceed $680 and can result in a loss of demerit points.

Local resident, Julie, who has lived in Bankstown for more than 50 years, welcomed the campaign and shared how misuse of these spaces has affected her.

“I carry my accessible parking permit everywhere. I use it more now because it makes such a difference. I’m not as mobile as I used to be, and those spaces help me stay independent,” she said.

“But I see so many people parking in those spots without a permit, or not displaying it properly, and it’s frustrating. Sometimes I’m even asked whether I really have a disability. It’s demoralising.”

Julie said that education is key to creating a more inclusive community.

“It’s not just about a parking space, it’s about social attitudes. We need more awareness and respect around disability and accessibility,” she said.

“In 2025, I thought we’d be past this. But too many people still think it’s okay to just park there ‘for a few minutes’. What they don’t see, is the impact it has on people like me who genuinely need it.”

Council’s campaign also includes information on how to correctly display your Mobility Parking Permit.

Drivers must show both the white NSW Mobility Parking Scheme card and the purple Australian Disability Parking Permit clearly, with expiry details visible.

For more information on disability parking, please visit cb.city/DisabilityParking