Hi-tech plan for disabled parking

A hi-tech scheme which cuts the time taken to approve disabled parking bays has received national acclaim.

Disabled drivers in Dundee who are seeking a parking bay outside their home should be able to make one phone call and a decision can then be made.

Dundee City Council uses geographic information systems, aerial photography and Ordnance Survey mapping to reach a decision, usually within 24 hours. The move does away with time-consuming and sometimes complicated site visits.

Kevin Keenan, leader of Dundee City Council, said: "We are committed to using the available technology to make it easier for the people of Dundee to get council services, whether that is paying bills online or the disabled parking scheme that we have been nominated for. I would ask that when these bays are designated that neighbours and other drivers are courteous towards the people who need them, and recognise that Dundee is a compact city with a limited amount of space that we can dedicate to drivers with disabilities."

The scheme is among 80 short listed in the e-Government National Awards 2007. The scheme is designed to highlight the UK's most effective services.

A key theme in this year's finalists' list is social inclusion and the use of innovative technology to deliver services to help people who are disadvantaged. This year's finalists have been chosen from a record 527 nominations. The winners will be announced on 22 January in London.