Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has launched a campaign to tackle the misuse of Blue Badge parking spaces.

The campaign, entitled 'Be Kind, Park with Disability in Mind', was created by members of the Council's Access and Inclusion Advisory Group, which is made up both of volunteers who have a disability and members who have been elected.

A survey conducted for the campaign found that, across 270 responses, 94 per cent of people had "experienced someone parked in a Blue Badge Parking Space with no badge displayed," while 86 per cent said "that this had prevented them from finding one to park in," according to a council spokesperson.

Of the other findings, 60 per cent of survey participants reported having not been able to access a shop or café because someone who was not entitled to park in a Blue Badge Parking Space had parked there.

Furthermore, the misuse of these spaces made 52 per cent of people feel disrespected, 57 per cent upset, 63 per cent angry, and 52 per cent "more tired" from having to park further away from the venue.

The campaign plans to engage with the public through videos, press, and social media posts, in order to reflect the perspective of legitimate Blue Badge holders trying to access parking.

Council chair John McClaughry said: "The campaign will emphasise the fact that those who misuse Blue Badge parking are causing inconvenience, disappointment, and sometimes physical pain to people with disabilities."

For updates on the campaign, please visit www.fermanaghomagh.com or email disability@fermanaghomagh.com