On 31 March 2023, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) published the Guidelines for the Proper Use of Parking Facilities for Wheelchair Users.
The Act on the Promotion of Smooth Transportation of Elderly Persons, Persons with Disabilities, etc. (Barrier-Free Act) (2006, Act No. 91) mandates the installation of parking facilities for wheelchair users in certain cases. To date, necessary parking facilities have been provided, and efforts have been made to ensure their proper use through laws, regulations, and the local governments' own efforts (e.g. Parking Permit System). However, it has been pointed out that there have been cases where persons without disabilities, who do not need such facilities, actually use them, and thus, those who do need the dedicated parking spaces are not able to use them.
In response, the MLIT held a Study Group on the Ideal Parking Facilities for Wheelchair Users in 2021 to study future measures and compiled an interim report. Based on the report, in FY2022, the MLIT held a Study Group on the Preparation of Guidelines for the Proper Use of Parking Facilities for Wheelchair Users and prepared the current guidelines.
The guidelines present the following new ideas to promote the appropriate use of dedicated parking spaces for wheelchair users:
1. Clarify that wheelchair users are the only persons eligible to use wheelchair-user parking facilities: For wheelchair-users,For Persons with Disabilities, Priority, |
For more information, see the website below:
https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/sogo09_hh_000355.html