New Blue Zone Parking Regulations Come Into Force

The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of ensuring parking spaces for persons with disabilities are properly identified and accessible. Amendments were made in February 2012 to strengthen the Buildings Accessibility Regulations which will come into effect for existing buildings on September 30, 2012.

“We have listened to the concerns of persons with disabilities in communities throughout this province and have strengthened our regulations to make buildings more accessible,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Service NL. “These new regulations have been designed to ensure that building owners and operators are conforming with the new legislation to provide barrier-free parking to individuals with disabilities and I am pleased to see full implementation of the regulations.”

The enhancements to the Buildings Accessibility Regulations for blue zone parking spaces have been made following consultation with key stakeholders, including the Provincial Advisory Council for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities. These regulations support the provincial strategy for the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

The amended regulations require blue zone parking spaces for public buildings to have permanent signage. Previously the regulations contained signage requirements, but were not clear on the need for signs to be permanently fixed on a post, building or other structure. This resulted in some temporary signs being removed, for example during snow clearing operations, and the parking spaces being difficult to identify. The regulations also require the parking space itself to be painted blue and designated with the international symbol for accessibility.

Companies that violate these signage requirements could face fines between $1,000 and $25,000 while fines for building owners range from $500 to $5,000. Information is being provided through the media and local industry organizations to ensure that building owners and operators are prepared for the September 30 deadline.

“While we recognize that more communication and awareness need to be done around blue zone parking, we are pleased that the Provincial Government has taken steps to strengthen the building regulations,” said Michelle Murdoch, President of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities. “These changes will ensure that proper signage will be erected to designate parking spaces for persons with disabilities.”

These changes previously came into effect for new and proposed buildings on February 15, 2012. For more information on building accessibility requirements please visit: www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca/licenses/building/.

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2012 09 18                       11:30 a.m.