Specially designated parking bays are reserved exclusively for persons with severe mobility impairments. These bays are purposefully designed to allow sufficient space for wheelchair transfers and the safe use of mobility aids.
Each accessible bay is 3.5 metres wide, smaller dimensions make it impossible for an individual to transfer safely to or from a wheelchair.
In accordance with the Road Traffic Act, these bays are clearly marked with yellow borders and a wheelchair symbol in the centre of the surface. A blue sign displaying the international wheelchair symbol is also positioned at the front of the bay for visibility.
Importantly, accessible parking bays must be located within 50 metres of an accessible entrance to the building, ensuring equal access and independence for persons with disabilities.
Accessible parking is not a convenience, it’s a human right.
Persons with disabilities have the right to access facilities on an equal basis with everyone else. When someone without a permit uses a reserved parking space, even “just for a few minutes,” they are not simply breaking a rule, they are blocking access, independence, and dignity.
Let’s respect accessible parking bays. Equal access starts with all of us.
Unfortunately, there are currently no uniform regulations governing accessible parking bays in South Africa. This creates significant frustration, especially for persons with disabilities who travel frequently, as each local authority operates its own system for issuing parking discs and enforcing the law.
As a result, parking permits obtained in one municipality are often not recognised in another, limiting mobility, independence, and access.
For several years, the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) has advocated for a single, standardised parking permit system, one that is recognised nationwide and endorsed by the National Department of Transport.
A unified system is not just practical, it’s essential for equality, dignity, and inclusion.
Currently, the selection and issuing of parking permits for persons with disabilities are handled by local Traffic Department officials.
These parking permits are issued to the individual, linked to their name and identity number, rather than a specific vehicle. This means the permit holder can use the disc in any vehicle they are travelling in an important aspect of independence and flexibility.
There are two categories of parking discs:
Application forms are available at your local Traffic Department. The application form must be completed by the applicant and an Occupational Health Practitioner, and submitted to the Traffic Department together with:
In instances where the applicant is unable to submit their application in person, a representative may do so on their behalf. The representative must present a signed letter of authorisation from the applicant confirming that they have been requested to submit the application.
In addition, the NCPD and its member organisation of Associates of and for Persons with Disabilities (APDs) continue to handle the majority of parking disc enquiries and provide guidance to applicants throughout the process.
The South African Government (through the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC), The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the SA Revenue Services) provides a rebate on the customs duty of the importation of adapted vehicles, either for use by persons with disabilities who drive themselves (self-drive), or by an organisation or individual that transports persons with disabilities (assisted transport).
The rebate is also available for imported second-hand vehicles that have already been adapted.
The rebate is intended to cover the cost of the adaptations to a vehicle, as a concession to those who require this extra expense. For this reason, only those applicants who comply with ITAC’s criteria will be approved.
NCPD is the dtic’s official partner and facilitates the application process so as to certify that the applicant has a substantial impairment, complies with the criteria and requires the use of an adapted vehicle.
A permit will be issued if:
A permit will not be approved if:
A permit will be approved if:
A permit will not be approved if:
Follow these steps to apply for your vehicle import rebate:
⏳ Turnaround time: Approximately 6–8 weeks
Important: You must receive your rebate certificate before purchasing your vehicle.
Application Form
The Blue Flag is an environmental award, given to communities that make a special effort to manage their coastal/inland water environment and beaches with respect for the local environment and nature. To attain the Blue Flag status, the community and its beach operators have to fulfil a number of criteria covering water quality, environmental information and education, safety, service and facilities. Only local authorities or private beach operators can apply for a Blue Flag for beaches.
The Blue Flag is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a non-governmental environmental organisation, which is represented by national organisations in each of the participating countries. The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) is the national operator in South Africa to facilitate, assess and monitor beaches, marinas and boats to comply to the prescribed standards and criteria for accessibility.
Primarily, Blue Flag is an educational programme designed to encourage participating municipalities to meet high environmental and sustainability standards.
There is no clear indication of the number of beaches in South Africa that could be considered for universal accessibility. However, we do know that 54 full status beaches and 20 pilot beaches throughout the coastal provinces applied for accreditation in 2023.
Himself a wheelchair user and Chairperson of APD Eastern Cape, Jakkie is the ideal person to head up this important part of our vision – that of beach accessibility for everyone!
NCPD is one of the stakeholders in the Blue Flag accreditation process and part of the National Jury, responsible for evaluating the Blue Flag applications for final accreditation by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Jakkie is our representative for this and the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA)
South Africa’s coastal zones are protected conservation areas, and legislation generally prohibits motor vehicles on beaches to preserve the environment. While wheelchair users may use power or manual wheelchairs on these beaches, accessing the sand safely is often extremely difficult without a motor vehicle.
To address this, specific permits are issued to persons with disabilities who require vehicles to access the beach. These permits are allocated by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DoFFE), with NCPD serving as the official partner to screen and certify applicants as persons with severe mobility impairments.
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant must have a substantial mobility impairment that makes it impossible to access the beach from the parking lot without a motor vehicle.
This system ensures that persons with disabilities can enjoy South Africa’s beautiful coastal areas safely and independently, while still protecting our precious natural heritage.
To apply for a Coastal Vehicle Access Permit (for persons with disabilities), please follow these steps:
Download and complete the application form.
Ensure all details are filled in accurately and that you have signed the form.
Attach supporting documents:
Copy of your Identity Document (ID)
Copy of your Driver’s Licence
Book an assessment with your nearest Association of and for Persons with Disabilities (APD) office to confirm eligibility.
Submit your completed application and supporting documents to:
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Sub-Directorate: Coastal Protection and Development
📞 +27 (21) 819 2508
✉️ ORVPermitting@dffe.gov.za
For many South Africans, public transport is more than a means of getting from one place to another, it’s a pathway to independence, opportunity, and inclusion. At the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), we advocate for a fully accessible transport system where persons with disabilities can travel safely, affordably, and with dignity.
Access to transport is a basic human right. Persons with disabilities must be able to travel to school, work, healthcare services, and leisure activities on an equal basis with others.
However, physical, informational, and attitudinal barriers still prevent many South Africans from using public transport independently.
Limited wheelchair-accessible taxis, buses, and trains
Inconsistent infrastructure (ramps, lifts, and signage)
Lack of disability awareness among transport operators
Safety and dignity concerns for commuters with visual or hearing impairments
Unequal access between urban and rural areas
NCPD collaborates with key stakeholders to:
Advocate for policy reform and national standards for accessible public transport
Provide training and awareness programmes for transport staff and operators
Conduct accessibility audits of stations, vehicles, and infrastructure
Highlight stories of inclusion and innovation from across the country
Real stories of South Africans who inspire change:
Hannes de Jager (Free State): After a rugby injury left him paralysed, Hannes relies on accessible buses through APD Free State, Kopano, and Interstate Bus Services to live and work independently.
Adri Visser and Danie Marais: Sharing their experiences navigating modified vehicles and rebates.
Bhekani, Khethu, Dylan, Hloni and Fanie: Visually Impaired and Blind professionals using NCPD transport support to access work safely and confidently.
Watch their stories and more on our YouTube Channel → @NCPDZA
Each October, during Transport Month, NCPD raises awareness, showcasing accessible transport success stories and pushing for progress in:
If you’re a transport department, corporate partner, or person with a disability who would like to get involved, contact us:
✉️ danie@ncpd.org.za
🌐 www.ncpd.org.za
Transport is essential for:
Barrier-free transport = equal opportunity.
