To coincide with International Day of People with Disability, The Hon. Stephen Dawson, MLC Minister for Disability Services today launched "This Bay is Someone's Day", a unique public awareness campaign to reduce the misuse of ACROD Parking bays.

NDS has managed the ACROD Parking Program for more than 40 years and is undertaking the campaign to highlight the impact that parking in ACROD bays without a permit can have on a permit holder's day. The campaign will run over the next three months in partnership with 25 local governments, seven shopping centres, RAC and with funding from the Department of Communities.

ACROD parking bays across WA have been transformed into eye-catching art installations for the campaign by local artists. Featuring the message "This Bay is Someone's Day: Park Right Day and Night". The campaign will use social media videos which tell the stories of ACROD permit holders, posters and warning cards which will be distributed by Rangers and Parking Inspectors reminding drivers who park illegally in ACROD bays that "This Bay is Someone's Day".

To launch the campaign, the ACROD parking bay outside the RAC Head Office in Wellington Street, Perth, was transformed into an art installation by street artist and wheelchair user Bruno Booth in collaboration with ACROD permit holder and para-athlete Robyn Lambird.

Ms Lambird said the artwork represented the importance of ACROD bays in her day-to-day life.

"ACROD parking means that my community is more accessible to me and makes the transport aspect so much easier for all the things that are meaningful in my life: training, competing, catching up with friends, going to gigs and mentoring," Ms Lambird said.

Julie Waylen, State Manager WA, said, "We wanted to bring to life the stories behind the ACROD symbol through the medium of art and visually convey what the bays mean for people who genuinely need them.

"Research we undertook with people who illegally use ACROD bays suggested a lack of understanding about the real life implications for permit holders when they are unable to access an ACROD parking bay.

"The reality is that parking in an ACROD bay without a permit can take away a person's independence and stop them going about their day."

Campaign project lead, Jos Franciscus, who is herself an ACROD permit holder and wheelchair user, said parking in an ACROD bay without a permit was never acceptable and could have significant consequences for those who genuinely needed them.

To coincide with the campaign, the State Government has increased on-the-spot fines for illegally parking in an ACROD bay from $300 to $500. Court imposed penalties have increased from $2000 to $5000.

The Hon. Mark McGowan, Premier has leant his support to the campaign saying "This Bay Is Someone's Day" is a wonderful campaign and my government is proud to support NDS in WA on this important issue.

"Unfortunately, misuse of ACROD parking remains an issue in our community. It's important we continue to raise public awareness to reduce its impact on people who need ACROD bays in their day-to-day lives, and ensure the public understands the implications.

"The best way to do this is to hear the stories and experiences of ACROD permit holders, in order to create positive change. That's exactly what this campaign does.

"I wish the campaign well and encourage everyone to park right, day and night."

Currently, more than 90,000 West Australians with severe mobility restrictions have an ACROD permit.

Each week for the next 10 weeks, "This Bay Is Someone's Day" campaign will showcase a new story of an ACROD Permit Holder and how they use the bay to go about their day.

NDS members are invited to support the campaign on Facebook and Instagram. Let's amplify the message together!