Ontario introduces new accessible parking permits

The Ontario government is introducing new accessible parking permits withenhanced security features aimed at preventing misuse.

Starting this week,ServiceOntariowill issue the new permits that are easier to verify and more difficult to duplicate.

• Hundreds of Toronto drivers misuse accessible parking permits

The changes only apply to new permits.

Current permits remain valid and do not have to be re-issued. The medical criteria to receivea permit remainthe same.

The new changes include:

• Machine readable barcodes, raised markings and serial numbers to help confirm that a permit is authentic
• Permits will no longer be laminated because it prevents the verificationofthe security features (laminating a new permit will make it invalid)
• A person applying on someone else's behalf will need to show a letter of authorization or Power of Attorney document
• Applicants must show identification that includes their legal name, date-of-birth and signature such as a driver's licence or passport

The province expects the improvements will reduce any misuse and ensure accessible parking spaces are available to those who need them.

Almost 700,000 permits are currently in circulation across Ontario.