Disabled parking permits (usually in the form of specially marked plates or a hanging placard for temporary permits) provide a range of parking concessions for people with severe mobility or vision challenges who have difficulty using public transport or walking distances, so that they can park close to where they need to go. The provision of permits is handled on a state-by-state basis.

An individual eligible for a permit may have a severe mobility or vision impairment, for example, and require a disabled parking space close to the building. In the case of someone with a vision impairment they will be driven by someone supporting them in their travel. It is always advisable to communicate full details of travel, parking and building access to the individual and to confirm that they have what they need and are confident about the availability of parking and ability to access the building.

Here are some quick rules for permit users:

• It is your responsibility as the permit-holder to make sure that it is used properly
• Do NOT allow other people to use your permit (or park your car with special plates) without your being present
• Do NOT use the permit to allow non-disabled people to take advantage of the benefits whilst you sit in the car

You can get more information about the disabled parking permits scheme here.