SPRINGFIELD POLICE REMIND ABLE BODY MOTORISTS TO NOT PARK IN ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACES

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Ernie Slottag 789-2235

With the busiest shopping season of the year upon us, the Springfield Police Department reminds motorists that accessible parking spaces are for use only by persons with disabilities. Too often people who want to make a mad dash into a store or shop might park in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities. If they do so, they could be in line for a citation which carries a fine of $250.

According to the Illinois Accessibility Code, parking spaces for persons with disabilities must be properly identified with pavement markings showing two 8 foot lanes, one of which should be marked with horizontal striping. Additionally, the space must also contain the appropriate signage identifying the space as accessible parking only and listing the fine that would be imposed on violators. The city works with merchants to ensure that spaces are properly marked.

“During the holiday season we take extra steps to make sure that these special parking spaces remain available to persons with disabilities,” said Robert Williams, Springfield Police Chief. “Since we have a limited number of officers to patrol the city, we enlist the assistance of volunteers during the holidays. This has been extremely helpful in allowing us to cite violators when necessary.”

There are 28 volunteers armed with ticket books who have helped in issuing traffic violation notices. Already this year, the City of Springfield has cited 395 individuals for unlawfully parking in accessible parking areas.

Sometimes spaces that appear to be available for people with disabilities are not properly marked. The City does not issue citations in these cases because they do not meet state requirements, hence no violation would have occurred. Only violators in properly identified spaces can be cited.

The City hopes everyone has a safe holiday season, and that accessible parking spaces be used only by persons with disabilities.