IWA say Garda crackdown had led to decrease in drivers abusing designated blue spaces

The Irish Wheelchair Association says a Garda clampdown has led to a sharp increase in disabled bay fines.

The force collected over 870,000 euro from drivers in 2018 and 2019.

The standard fine for someone who parks or stops in a disabled bay is now 150 euro.

According to freedom of information figures, the gardai collected 471,000 euro from 3,664 motorists who broke the law last year.

Both figures are up sharply on 2018 - when 401,000 euro was taken from 3,385 drivers.

The IWA's John Dolan says it's due to increased Garda enforcement.

He says it's a major issue for many people with disabilities.

Dublin accounted for close to half of the offences last year, and was followed by Limerick, Galway and Cork.