Is there sufficient policing of disabled parking spaces in Canada? Many people feel that there is not. Sadly, it is not at all uncommon to see cars without disability permits parked illegally in disabled parking spaces. Why is this so prevalent?
One of the reasons is, there is simply not sufficient policing of these disabled parking spaces. It seems not everyone takes illegal parking seriously. The result of this is that illegal parking continues to be a problem in Canada.
Have you ever caught a non-permitted vehicle parked in a disabled parking space?
If so, what was your reaction? If you are like many others, you probably got angry (rightly so). Perhaps you also tried to tell someone what happened. In many cases, such complaints are taken lightly.
While this sounds grave, it’s important to remember that there are some people who are trying to end illegal parking in disabled parking spaces in Canada. Who?
The Toronto Police Service has established a “Disabled Liaison Unit” to combat illegal parking.
What good can the Disabled Liaison Unit do? “The unit investigates improper use of disabled permits, fraudulent permits, and parking without permits.” This means that the unit is changing the way Canadians view parking in disabled spaces without a permit.
Reach the Disabled Liaison Unit by calling 416-808-6601.
It’s wonderful that these changes are being made in Toronto, but what about the rest of Canada? What can be done about illegal parking in disabled parking spaces in every province?
What will end this cycle of cars parking illegally in disabled parking spaces?
Perhaps people consistently reporting this illegal activity to law officials will be the beginning of the end of people parking illegally in disabled parking spaces. Also, raising awareness of this unethical behaviour may encourage its discontinuation.
Are you tired of vehicles without permits parking in disabled parking spaces? If so, speak against it!
How can you do this? By calling your local law enforcement department and speaking to someone who will listen.
Also, be sure to tell others why they should not park in disabled spaces without a permit. Explain to them what it is like for a person with a disability not to have a disabled parking space due to someone being illegally parked. Remind people that this is wrong! Don’t hesitate speak out for what is right.
Sources:
http://www.candoability.com.au/CDA/Blog/No-Policing-For-Disabled-Parking_3.html
http://www.abilities.ca/agc/article/article.php?pid=&cid=&subid=430&aid=978
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Let’s Talk About It
Do you feel that there are usually enough available disabled parking spaces in parking lots?
Have you ever needed a disabled parking space, only to find one occupied by a car without a permit?
It really saddens me that people without disabilities feel they have the right to take the only parking spots people with disabilities can park in. I work with people who have disabilities and see the frustration they have when they are unable to park somewhere with enough room to exit their vehicle. When I witness some one parking in an accessible spot without a permit, I politely tell them they are in the wrong spot. If they don’t move, I tell them I am calling bylaw on them. This usually sparks an argument about how no one is using the spot, or they are just going to be a minute. People without disabilities think it’s unfair that people with disabilities get theses spots closer to the doors. There is a reason for that, and if they’d only think about someone other than themselves; they might understand. Everyone will experience some kind of disability within their life time. I only hope that these ignorant people realize one day this could be them.