The Scottish Parliament's Local Government and Communities Committee has given its backing in principle to recommendations to penalise drivers who abuse disabled parking bays.

Outlined in the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Bill brought forward by Labour MSP Jackie Baillie, it calls for enforceable fines of up to £60 for anyone without a Blue Badge who parks in a disabled space.

As the law currently stands in Scotland, around 85 per cent disabled parking spaces are courtesy spaces that allow non-Blue Badge holders to park in them.

If the bill is passed then councils will need to work alongside private car park operators, such as supermarkets and retail parks, to make disabled parking spaces legally enforceable.

Convener Duncan McNeil said his committee had been "alarmed" by the reported level of fraud concerning the Blue Badge Scheme, and called for action across Scotland to end this abuse.

Discussing the legal practicalities, he said: "We believe that a year after the act comes into force is adequate time for local authorities to complete an audit of disabled parking bays and the Minister should only sanction an extension in exceptional circumstances.

"The committee also agrees that the estimate of £1.7 million for promotion and implementation is subject to a degree of doubt."

However, if the bill is passed then the committee has said it expects the Scottish Government and COSLA to negotiate any implementation costs to ensure local authorities do not end up being "burdened" with the cost.

McNeil welcomed efforts made by supermarket ASDA in enforcing disabled parking spaces, suggesting it was "good practice" that should be adopted by others.