The MSP behind new laws designed to crack down on drivers who abuse disabled parking spaces said yesterday the legislation was one step closer to being approved.

Labour's Jackie Baillie spoke as a Holyrood committee published its report on her proposals, which would see able-bodied drivers who park in disabled bays fined.

Holyrood's local government and communities committee has been scrutinising her plans. Ms Baillie said: "I am delighted we are now one stage closer to achieving enforceable disabled parking spaces."

Her Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Bill aims to make disabled parking bays under local council control legally enforceable.

Currently many disabled parking places are advisory, meaning other drivers can use them without punishment.

But Ms Baillie's bill would introduce a fine of £30 for those who abuse the bays, rising to £60 if not paid within 14 days. It would also require councils to contact operators of private car parks to negotiate an agreement to make disabled parking spaces at these car parks enforceable.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson has already said the Scottish Government backs the principle of the bill and Ms Baillie, the MSP for Dumbarton, said: "Disabled drivers have, for too long, had to rely on the courtesy of other drivers not to park in disabled spaces. This bill seeks to ensure that such spaces will be legally enforceable."

She added: "I am also delighted the committee has endorsed the provisions that require local authorities to negotiate enforceable parking arrangements with owners of private car parks.

"The current situation whereby disabled people are often prevented from carrying out day-to-day activities such as shopping, as a result of the abuse of designated spaces is unacceptable."

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