FAMILIES and carers of ACT residents who need support with walking safely due to cognitive or behavioural needs are now eligible to apply for an Australian Disability Parking Permit.

The ACT government says the expanded criteria enable medical practitioners to support an application in circumstances where a person has cognitive, behavioural or neurological needs that prevent them walking safely without the continuous support of a family member, carer or support person.

Australian Disability Parking Permits, also known as Mobility Parking Permits, support people with a disability that affects their mobility, allowing them – or their driver – to park in dedicated accessible parking spaces.

Applications must be assessed and supported by a legally qualified medical practitioner or specialist eye doctor.

The ACT government manages about 1500 dedicated accessible parking spaces across Canberra, including on-street parking and parking spaces in government-managed carparks. Further accessible parking spaces are available in private carparks and in public car parks that are privately operated or operated by the National Capital Authority.