Guerrilla action by Meath Disability Network

Guerrilla action was taken by people with disabilities in Navan this morning, when they parked their wheelchairs in able bodied parking spaces in the town, with a message that they'd be 'back in five'

 It was a joint project between Meath Disability Network, Meath County Council and Navan Gardai and highlighted in a unique way that accessible parking spaces in the town should only be used by drivers with a valid disability parking permit.

An innovative new text service was also launched this morning and Gardai inspections were carried out in Navan leading to a successful day of raising awareness in the town of the importance of respecting accessible car parking spaces.

Accessible parking spots around the town were kitted out with new public signage. These signs display a mobile phone number. Members of the public can text the number a key word which denotes the location of bay to report misuse of the car parking space (e.g. Watergate) and this will be sent straight to traffic warden.

The service will operate on seven prime locations in Navan over six months on a pilot basis. The locations are:
Trimgate St, Church Hill, Watergate St (x2) and Kennedy Plaza (x2)

During the day of the launch, Navan Gardai were also out inspecting disability car parking permits to ensure those drivers using them were entitled to do so.