Keeping handicapped spots clear

[Guest guest]

Date: Fri, 7 May 2004 06:08:46 -0400 From: "Ruralal" <ruralal@...>Subject: Keeping handicapped spots clearBlank ....April 8, 10:22 AM Keeping Handicapped Spots Clear Councilman Liu (second from left) introduced bills this week that would increase penalties for illegally parking in handicapped spots.-------------------------------------------------------------------- By Rutkoff Drivers who disobey the law and park their cars in spaces reserved for those with disabilities may be in store for an unpleasant surprise. If a package of new bills introduced in the City Council recently is passed, the penalty for parking illegally in handicapped-parking spaces will soon include allowing vehicles to be towed. Councilman Liu, chair of the Council’s Transportation Committee, staged a press conference this week with advocates for people with disabilities and other members of the Council who support the proposed legislation, which would also increase fines for parking illegally in handicapped spaces, both in private and public parking lots. “People who are illegally parking in handicapped-parking spaces are the baddest apples,†Liu said. “We need to create a tougher mechanism to punish these inconsiderate scofflaws and preserve these spaces for people they were designated for.†The proposed laws would give traffic cops the authority to tow any vehicle parked in a handicapped-parking space without proper plates or permits. Proper identification can only be obtained through the New York State DMV. The legislation would also double the fine for violators – from $180 to $360 for each offense. son, a Flushing resident and disability rights activist, also spoke at the April 3 press conference outside City Hall and indicated that existing penalties are not keeping inconsiderate drivers out of handicapped spaces. “I am fed up with able bodies motorists who break the rules,†son said. “If enforcement of handicapped parking rules is strengthened, they wouldn’t park in handicapped spots.†Beyond the increased fine and the new towing provision, the handicapped-parking measures introduced by Liu call for trained volunteers to monitor handicapped parking spaces and document any apparent violations. Similar programs exist in Nassau County, where volunteers submit photographic evidence against those who wrongfully park in handicapped spaces. The focus on strengthening the laws against illegal use of handicapped parking spaces has already attracted support in the City Council. Fellow Queens Councilman Weprin, who joined Liu at the press conference, said, “We want our city to be accessible for all New Yorkers. These parking scofflaws must be stopped so that the rights of people with disabilities are upheld.†[This message contained attachments]