The government has unveiled two new signs which will designate parking areas for the elderly and handicapped outside public buildings and hospitals. Drivers over 70 will be able to use them as will pregnant women (up to eight weeks after childbirth). Drivers will have to apply to the police who will then issue a sticker for display on the car windscreen or dashboard. Anyone who parks in the spot without the sticker will get a 17,000 yen fine, which is 2,000 yen higher than for an ordinary parking violation. The new system will start next April and it will be up to local police to select which areas to designate.
