Many countries around the world have reciprocal parking arrangements, to enable disabled people to travel easily between countries, without completing extensive paperwork for their parking card or permit to be recognised.

In 1978, the ECMT Council of Ministers agreed that all ECMT Member Countries would provide the same parking concessions to disabled individuals from other member countries as they did to their own citizens. These concessions typically included access to parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities, extended parking durations, or exemptions from parking fees.

This Resolution was revised and expanded in 1997. It now covers not only all ECMT Member Countries but also ECMT Associated Countries—Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and the United States. As a result, disabled drivers from both ECMT Member and Associated Countries are entitled to the same parking privileges as residents in any ECMT country, provided they display a badge featuring the international wheelchair symbol.

In 1998, the European Union adopted a similar Resolution for EU Member States. To aid recognition and reduce confusion at the local level, these badges were standardized as the EU Blue Parking Badge.

To support the implementation of these agreements, information is provided on the ITF website to help visitors understand the specific parking regulations in each country. Currently, different badge designs are in use, and where available, images of these badges are included here.

You can download the EU Reciprocal Parking Card here.

For the first time, the FIA has launched a new programme providing mentorship opportunities to disabled people in the world of motorsport.

Designed to build a sense of community and global connection, increase awareness for disabled people in motorsport, and facilitate personal and professional growth, less experienced individuals – mentees – will be paired with more experienced peers – mentors – connecting individuals and enhancing confidence through these relationships.

With 50 seats available on the programme, the programme launched during FIA Safety Week and will commence in March 2025.

Mentors and mentees will be matched based on their career interests, skills, knowledge, experience, disability, and wider skill set. Providing resources and clear guidelines, the FIA will help mentors and mentees to build successful relationships that accelerate all-round development.

Hosted online, participants will connect through a digital platform, powered by OneUpOneDown mentorship technology, allowing for flexible and accessible interaction regardless of location, with the online nature ensuring ease of scheduling and resource sharing.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: “The FIA is committed to increasing accessibility and diversity across motorsport, and through programmes like this we are able to assist and grow our communities.

“This new programme will help to create a network of support and learning for disabled individuals, opening up new opportunities in line with our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, working together to break down barriers that obstruct full and effective participation in motorsport.”

Nathalie McGloin, FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission President, said: “The DAA was created to ensure accessible racing and motoring, to promote knowledge sharing and best practices, and to champion inclusivity and representation.

“I’m proud to be part of the launch of this next step in the FIA’s commitment to accessibility and diversity and look forward to seeing these mentorship partnerships flourish.”

At the FIA, diversity is encouraged across the board, with the federation committed to building better and more accessible pathways into motorsport and mobility alike. Established in 2018, the FIA Disability & Accessibility Commission has helped change the sport’s culture to better facilitate and value the participation of people with disabilities in all aspects.

To mark World Disability Day on 3 December, the Automobile Club of Italy (ACI) launched the campaign #NonèTuttoNormale, releasing a powerful video to highlight mobility challenges faced by people with disabilities.

The video showcases everyday obstacles created by improper actions, such as illegally parked cars in reserved spaces or blocked paths for the visually impaired. It also highlights institutional shortcomings like the lack of accessible platforms on public transport or traffic lights without sound systems for the blind.

Through this campaign and its hashtag, ACI calls on everyone to respect the right to mobility for people with disabilities and to act responsibly to remove barriers.

During the FIA General Assemblies meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem named the three winners of the 2024 FIA President’s Awards.

The Automóvil Club del Ecuador (ANETA) was awarded for its contribution to Road Safety, Saudia Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF)  for its commitment to Climate Action, and the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI)  for its efforts in promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Automobile Club d’Italia’s EDI project “Motorsport for People: INCLUSION-E” is a state-of-the-art simulator, incorporating ergonomic and cutting-edge technologies to reduce barriers to motorsport for disabled people. The simulator has been promoted at inclusive events across Italy and alongside national associations for people with disabilities.

ACI President Angelo Sticchi Damiani said: “We are proud to be recognised in this year’s President’s Awards. Our INCLUSION-E project focuses on breaking down barriers standing in the way of motorsport driver participation in society. By ensuring the Simracing discipline’s outreach in an inclusive way for people with disabilities and scaling zero-barriers technologies for motorsport practice, access to new opportunities and careers will improve.

“This award will support our Federation’s commitment to make motorsport more accessible by actively encouraging and fostering the shaping of new sustainable, diverse, and inclusive pathways.”

The winning Clubs were recognised at the meeting of the FIA General Assemblies.