'Lazy' motorists who abuse disabled bays are being urged to leave them free for people who need them by a Northern Ireland council.
Mid Ulster District Council said that while most people using its public amenities are thoughtful of fellow citizens when it comes to accessible spaces - some still abuse the system.
So they have issued a plea for people to think before they park in accessible parking bays.
Council chair Martin Kearney said: "We are reminding motorists to respect the accessible parking bays on this site (and others across the district) and are asking our citizens to help us make it easier for people with disabilities to access our facilities.
"Although the majority of people are considerate about not parking in disabled bays, it’s something that still occurs. We are asking users of Mid Ulster Sports Arena to think about who might need the space, and if you don’t have a blue badge, don’t use an accessible parking space – leave it free for someone who might need it."
Mark Farquhar from Mid Ulster Disability Forum, who are also supporting the initiative, added: "There can be any number of reasons why people use disabled parking spaces, because there are any number of disabilities – laziness is not one of them.
"Disabled bays are there for people with disabilities. Perhaps they use a wheelchair and need to be able to wheel alongside the car door.
"Or perhaps their disability simply means they need the extra space. Perhaps they have a serious medical condition and their disability may be hidden. Or perhaps, because of age or other types of disability, they might use a walking frame.
"Do not park in a disabled bay unless you have a valid blue badge and genuinely need the space."
