New system aims to curb blue sticker abuse

Applications for blue stickers - which permit holders to park their vehicles in spaces reserved for people with a disability - are now being vetted by a doctor appointed by the National Commission Persons with Disability (KNPD) in a bid to clamp down on abuse.

The commission launched a two-month trial in June, and decided to make it permanent after 39 per cent of applications were turned down under the new system.

The blue sticker is intended for people with mobility problems and can be issued either permanently or for a limited period of time depending on the nature of a person's condition.

The commission is also introducing a one-off Lm5 application fee to finance the cost of recruiting a doctor.

The condition of blue sticker holders will be reviewed when they apply for a renewal.

There are about 4,800 blue stickers in circulation and 211 reserved parking places for disabled people around the island.

The KNPD embarked on the new exercise after a substantial increase in the number of blue sticker applications. It received 824 new applications last year, almost double the 2004 figure.

KNPD executive director Alfred Bezzina pointed out that the growing number of elderly people - who make 60 per cent of the applicants - was the main cause behind the increase.

Better accessibility to public places, which is encouraging more people with mobility problems to go out, is another factor.

KNPD director Joseph Camilleri appealed to people with a disability to be prudent when using the sticker. "It is not a blank cheque to park wherever you want," he said.

He warned that the blue sticker should only be used when the holder is in the car and not to facilitate the life of family members. While he appealed to the police and wardens to be lenient unless there is a case of rampant abuse, he pointed out that they should issue tickets when the sticker holder is not in the car.