A draft law No. 14176 has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada, which proposes to extend the rights to free parking not only for persons with disabilities but also for citizens with temporary health impairments. The aim of the law is to promote barrier-free movement and ensure the accessibility of transportation infrastructure for a broader range of people.
This is reported by Finway
Social Protection and New Categories of Citizens
The draft law suggests amendments to the Law of Ukraine “On the Basics of Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities in Ukraine,” adding a new Article 30-1. According to the project, the right to free parking will be extended not only to drivers with disabilities or those transporting them but also to individuals with temporary mobility limitations. To receive this benefit, one must have a medical certificate confirming temporary incapacity for work, which indicates difficulties in movement.
Additionally, changes are also proposed to the Law of Ukraine “On Road Traffic.” Article 52-2 is planned to be supplemented with a provision that establishes the right to free parking for vehicles driven by individuals with temporary health impairments, as defined by Article 30-1.
Accessibility Issues and Goals of the Changes
The authors of the initiative note that there is currently a legal gap that leads to discrimination against people with temporary loss of mobility. Such citizens do not have access to adapted parking spaces and face difficulties in visiting social facilities, medical institutions, and educational establishments.
Every year, a large number of Ukrainians are forced to use mobility aids such as crutches, orthoses, or wheelchairs due to injuries or illnesses. During treatment or rehabilitation, they are deprived of an adequate level of inclusivity in transportation, medical, and social spheres, creating unequal conditions compared to persons with disabilities.
“Individuals with temporary mobility limitations do not have the opportunity to exercise the rights and guarantees of accessibility provided for persons with disabilities. This creates unequal conditions in accessing transportation, medical, and social infrastructure.”
The problem is particularly acute in large cities, where the limited number of parking spaces complicates everyday solutions for people who have temporarily lost the ability to move independently.
Among the main objectives of the draft law are the expansion of the category of citizens entitled to free parking in specially equipped spaces; the establishment of a procedure for confirming status through a medical certificate; ensuring equal access to all types of infrastructure; and implementing the principle of barrier-free living and governance.
The initiative emphasizes that this is not only about logistical conveniences but also about adhering to the principles of justice and barrier-free society.