Please avoid ‘borrowing’ parking spots for disabled
Q People park in (disabled person’s) spaces because they are just picking up food, which takes 1-2 minutes. It’s likely all parking upfront is for the (disabled) with no regular parking nearby. The requirements have increased and businesses have to provide more of these spots. We just doubled ours during the past year. … I personally park far away for exercise, but most importantly, to avoid door dings.
— Anonymous
A I’m sure others agree with you, which they might not publicly admit, but I don’t. You may believe a couple of minutes blocking a disabled person’s parking spot is no big deal, but it can be if those spaces are not available for those who really need and are authorized to use them.
Q Most (disabled person’s) parking spots in front of retail establishments, medical clinics, hospitals, etc., are clearly marked with signs warning of penalties up to $250. The general thought is, “Nobody’s using it. I’m only going to be a minute.
Who’s going to report me? I can park here all day if I want to. Who’s going to check?”
Malls and outlets have (disabled person’s) parking spaces used by individuals who either do not have a placard or have a placard but are not disabled. Mall
and shopping center security do not care and do not have the inclination to do anything.
— Alex Kwok, Alameda
A Parking Mobility provides a free app that allows anyone to report vehicles violating accessible parking and a citation
can be issued. The owner can pay the fine or a reduced fee and take an educational course to learn why those spaces are important and need to be saved for those who need them.
Q On my first day at a new job after moving to California in 1984, I noticed a healthy gentleman, who I recognized as the CEO of the parent company of my employer, park in a handicapped spot and start walking toward the front door. I know this person was not handicapped.
I asked him straight up, “Is your handicap physical or mental?” He gave me a scornful look and kept walking into the building. We never got along after that.
— Rich Seifert, Los Gatos
A Some have disabilities not clearly visible. If they have a placard, don’t challenge them.
Q Most people who park in disabled person places aren’t disabled. However, there are older people like me who often forget to hang their tag on the mirror.
— Mary Johnson
A Sadly, I know that feeling.
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