LONDON — British transport authorities have announced a significant escalation in fines for motorists who illegally park in spaces designated for wheelchair users. The new measures come after a surge in complaints from disability advocates regarding "inaccessible bays" blocked by delivery vans and private vehicles.

Under the updated Highway Code, local councils are now empowered to issue on-the-spot penalties of up to £1,000 for misuse of Blue Badge parking spaces. Transport for London (TfL) stated that the crackdown aims to ensure that wheelchair users have unobstructed access to sidewalks and lowered curbs, which are vital for safe navigation.

"For a non-disabled person, an illegally parked car is an inconvenience," said a spokesperson for the charity Scope. "For a wheelchair user, it can mean being trapped on the roadside or forced into dangerous detours." Enforcement cameras have already been installed in several high-traffic boroughs across the capital.