Let all with disabilities have access to parking lots

I read the report “Access to parking lots for the disabled will be tightened from Nov” (July 28) with concern.

Though the tighter access may cut down on misuse of these parking lots, not issuing a special vehicle label to persons who use crutches and quad-sticks will cause them problems in the long run.

This stance is puzzling, as the lots are meant to provide convenience to those who have difficulty getting around, say, when running errands. Those who rely on vehicles for this will find it more difficult to get a parking lot.

I suggest that those who rely on these mobility aids because of a disability, which can be accessed from their medical records, should qualify for the right to use these lots. Those with the existing labels should be eligible for renewal.

Not ensuring their ease of usage and movement defeats the purpose of having 6,000 accessible lots in car parks managed by the Housing and Development Board, the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the National Parks Board.

Provision should also be made for more lots for the disabled, especially in shopping centres and business districts.

Vehicles ferrying passengers with physical disabilities that utilise the Class 2 label should get more parking time at the designated lots; one hour is insufficient, and this should be reviewed.

The lots should also be designed for users to have more space, and enforcement of the rules of use must be stepped up.

The Government should engage in greater dialogue to cultivate a sense of inclusiveness and peace of mind for people with disabilities, who should be able to secure these lots when the need arises without resorting to the use of wheelchairs.