Parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities: why this is a matter of dignity
25.11.2025
Articles
Parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities is a topic that is constantly discussed. And constantly violated.
Every day we see the same familiar picture: there are markings, signs, warnings, but someone still parks their car ‘just for a minute,’ ‘because they need to hurry,’ ‘because there is no space nearby.’
Behind these ‘minutes’ lies the reality of people who are physically unable to walk a few dozen metres. For them, it is not a matter of convenience, but the only way to get to a shop, hospital, pharmacy or work.
This is not about fines. It is about respect and responsibility, which begins not with the police, but with personal culture.
How to educate society
• Constantly remind people. Behaviour change requires consistency.
• Record violations: photos, videos, licence plates — this works effectively.
• Talk to people directly: calmly but firmly explain that this is not a privilege, but a necessity.
• Create zero tolerance: when those around you don't remain silent, ‘I'll be back in a minute’ disappears as a phenomenon.
• Involve businesses: car parks must respond, issue warnings, call the police and act systematically.
A space for a person with a disability is about dignity. By occupying it without the right to do so, you take away that dignity.
How it works in the EU: the example of Germany
• Only those who have an official permit card under their windscreen can park.
• Checks are regular and without warning.
• Fines are substantial, and in many cities, cars are towed away immediately.
• A short stop without a card is a full-fledged violation.
• Zero tolerance principle: one violation — irreversible consequences.
What Ukraine needs
• A unified electronic parking permit system for people with disabilities.
• The ability to check permits through the police or parking services.
• Automatic fines and vehicle towing, as is the practice in Europe.
• An increase in the number of accessible spaces in all shopping centre, government and municipal car parks.
• QR codes for instant complaints and quick responses.
As long as the system allows impunity, violations will remain the norm.
A parking space for a person with a disability is not a ‘convenient place.’
It is a right, a sign of respect, and a test of humanity.
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Articles
Parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities: why this is a matter of dignity
Parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities is a topic that is constantly discussed. And constantly violated. Every day we see the same familiar picture: there are markings, signs, warnings, but someone still parks their car ‘just for a minute,’ ‘because they need to hurry,’ ‘because there is no space nearby.’ Behind these ‘minutes’ lies the reality of people who are physically unable to walk a few dozen metres. For them, it is not a matter of convenience, but the only way to get to a shop, hospital, pharmacy or work. This is not about fines. It is about respect and responsibility, which begins not with the police, but with personal culture. How to educate society • Constantly remind people. Behaviour change requires consistency. • Record violations: photos, videos, licence plates — this works effectively. • Talk to people directly: calmly but firmly explain that this is not a privilege, but a necessity. • Create zero tolerance: when those around you don't remain silent, ‘I'll be back in a minute’ disappears as a phenomenon. • Involve businesses: car parks must respond, issue warnings, call the police and act systematically. A space for a person with a disability is about dignity. By occupying it without the right to do so, you take away that dignity. How it works in the EU: the example of Germany • Only those who have an official permit card under their windscreen can park. • Checks are regular and without warning. • Fines are substantial, and in many cities, cars are towed away immediately. • A short stop without a card is a full-fledged violation. • Zero tolerance principle: one violation — irreversible consequences. What Ukraine needs • A unified electronic parking permit system for people with disabilities. • The ability to check permits through the police or parking services. • Automatic fines and vehicle towing, as is the practice in Europe. • An increase in the number of accessible spaces in all shopping centre, government and municipal car parks. • QR codes for instant complaints and quick responses. As long as the system allows impunity, violations will remain the norm. A parking space for a person with a disability is not a ‘convenient place.’ It is a right, a sign of respect, and a test of humanity.
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