Canary Islands move to tackle disability parking permit fraud
The Canary Islands Government has warned of widespread misuse of reduced mobility parking permits, with some people continuing to use the cards after the registered holder has died.
Dulce Gutiérrez, Director General of Dependency and Disability, said it is common for local police forces across the archipelago to report fraud and improper use of the permits.
She described the practice as “very serious,” adding: “When people park using a permit that belonged to someone who has passed away, they may be taking a space from someone who genuinely cannot move easily. It’s not the same to park here as it is 50 metres away.”
To combat this kind of abuse, a new permit system with a QR code has been introduced, making fraudulent use more difficult.
From now on, people with reduced mobility will be able to use a single, unified parking permit in all municipalities across the Canary Islands. The new model is designed to make access to reserved spaces simpler and more efficient, removing the need to apply for separate permits in each area.
The updated card also features enhanced security measures to prevent fraud, ensuring that only those who genuinely qualify can use the benefit.
Gutiérrez stressed the importance of public awareness and responsible use, highlighting that the new system aims to protect the purpose of reserved spaces and ensure they remain available to those who need them most.
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