New Technology May Curb Illegal Parking in Accessible Spaces
Posted by Matt Hagg on Mon, Jan 09, 2012 @ 12:50 PM
Despite the steep $450 fine for illegally parking in a designated accessible parking space in Toronto, misuse of these spaces is still a major problem, given that only a handful of spaces are typically available in any given parking lot. In July, for example, the Mayor noted that he saw drivers illegally parking in these spaces almost every day. However, if new technology that is currently being tested in the U.K. becomes widespread, the frustration of pulling up to designated accessible parking spaces only to find them occupied by illegally parked vehicles may soon be a thing of the past. Using technology similar to that found on modern electronic toll highways, a company from New Zealand has developed an electronic system to monitor accessible parking spaces. This system works by issuing drivers with disabilities electronic tags that are automatically read by sensors in each parking space. Should a driver park in a designated accessible space without a tag, parking officers are automatically notified and a ticket can be issued.
Other not quite as “high tech” solutions to the accessible parking problem are being proposed in jurisdictions around the world. In Alabama disability advocacy groups and the state’s Office on Disability are pushing for the state to introduce new measures to curb the practice of parking illegally in a designated accessible space, both by people who misuse state-issued accessible parking hang tags, and those who park with no hang tag at all. Suggestions include printing a photo of the applicant on hang tags, noting disability statuses on drivers’ licenses, and allowing trained volunteers to ticket illegally parked vehicles. In Chicago, high fines are the tool of choice, as the Chicago City Council recently approved a plan to charge up to $4,000 in fines plus vehicle impoundment for vehicles illegally parked in designated accessible parking spaces.