Drivers carrying disabled people will be able to use disabled bays in car parks operated by The Link Reit from next month after a rule change. The Link Reit, which operates retail outlets and 178 car parks in housing estates across the city, made the announcement after lobbying from non-governmental organisations. Those with parking certificates for Drivers Carrying People with Mobility Disabilities will also be eligible for a 50 per cent price reduction for both hourly and monthly parking. 'Our car parks are by some of the most visited tourist sights,' said Link Reit spokesman Crystal Wong. 'This change allows more people to see Hong Kong.' Hong Kong issues two types of parking permits to those who have disabilities. The Disabled Person's Parking Permit is for those who are handicapped but can drive their own car. The Parking Certificate for Drivers Carrying People with Mobility Disabilities (PWD) is issued to the drivers of those who are severely disabled and unable to drive themselves. At the end of last year there were 230 valid PWD certificate holders. As these people require able- bodied drivers, the driver is not considered eligible to park in disabled spaces. Direction, a group working for the equal rights of all types of disabled drivers, said this discriminatory treatment was also applied in parking facilities at hospitals. 'The government is providing quite a lot of parking privileges to those who are disabled but still able to drive, but not to us,' said Christine Leung, vice-chairwoman of Direction. 'Wherever I go I need someone to take care of me. On public transport this means I have to pay double wherever I go because I have no choice.' The group praised the action taken by The Link Reit, saying it hoped it would encourage the disabled to be more mobile in the community, but added that more needed to be done. The Hospital Authority does not allow PWD drivers to use disabled spaces, but a spokesman said the views expressed by the concerned groups would be taken for review and consideration. Wilson Parking, which manages 15 sites for the government, said PWD holders could in general park their vehicles in designated disabled bays, but there was no fee concession. The Transport Department confirmed this also applied at its other car parks across the city.