For us, this is more than just a petition, it’s a plea for accessibility. My husband depends on a wheelchair to move around and continually, we are confronted with the asinine practice of non-disabled individuals occupying mobility park spaces. Such actions indicate a lack of consideration for those with real need and we are simply tired of it. 

Globally, approximately 75 million people require wheelchairs for mobility. Yet, when it comes to a provision like dedicated parking, many societies lack the infrastructure. The lack of enforcement of these dedicated spaces results in their misuse, causing even more inconvenience for those who genuinely need it.

Mobility parks are essential for wheelchair users like my husband. They are wider, positioned for easier access to buildings, and are critical for providing the independence that wheelchair users deserve. By establishing strict rules for these parks at all times, we can ensure they are used by those they were intended for.

We  are asking for authorities to make mobility parks enforceable at all times, to valiantly enforce the rules around their usage, and ultimately convey respect towards wheelchair users’ rights. Stand (or sit ;) )with us, add your signature to this petition and let’s fight for accessibility and empathy together because every signature matters.

if a photo is proof enough to issue a ticket for speeding, why can't the same happen for mobility parking abusers - people should be able to report abuse, and if CLEAR photos are provided showing there is NO PERMIT on display a fine gets sent in the mail to the registered owner of the vehicle

We have written the following open letter to our local council, and implore others to do the same 

"To whom it may concern,

The level of mobility parking abuse in Lower Hutt is atrocious- probably mostly because they know they can get away with it.

Why are mobility parks not all "at all times" ? Does my husband miraculously get up out of his wheelchair at 6pm when the parking restrictions end? No, he does not..... so why does the mobility parking restriction end?
We work in town, finish at half five and do not get back to Lower Hutt until after six..... my hubby most certainly still needs his wheelchair then, but can we find a park? No. Why? Because even in 2025, people with disabilities are treated as substandard human beings, entitled people will hurl abuse at us, even after seeing my husband is in a wheelchair.

The parks outside the many gyms that we are lucky to have are amongst the worse, City fitness is a hotspot and so is the one outside the subway - often seeing the F45 vehicle parked there.

I implore you to please change all the mobility parks ASAP to at all times.
PS- check out our page "our adventures with spinabifida" to see some of the abusers

Kind regards
Nicki"

share this far and wide, let's make the change that is so desperately needed, and stop disabled people being treated like substandard human beings in 2025