Only people who need disabled parking in Grande Prairie should be using the spaces. That’s according to Enforcement Services who will be cracking down on their misuse this month. Spinal Cord Injury Alberta Regional Program Coordinator Mieke de Groot says people illegally using the spaces is an ongoing issue in the city.
“It does cause a problem for people who require that disabled parking because they can’t get out of their vehicle unless there’s room. Especially with people who have ramps coming out of the side of their vehicle. People who park too close to them prevents people from either getting into their vehicle which is dangerous at cold temperatures or it’s potential damage to their vehicle when a person in a wheelchair has to navigate tight turns.”
According to the laws, a person is not allowed to park a vehicle in a designated disabled parking space unless they have a valid handicap placard or license plate. The card or plate can only be used by the person it was issued to. de Groot says it’s especially important to keep those spaces free in the winter time.
“People who have spinal cord injuries in particular but also several of the other disabilities such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis and Muscular Dystrophy, they sometimes lack sensation on the outer surface of their skin. They may feel deep pressure but they are not aware that their skin is freezing.”
The fine for parking in a space without a valid permit is $250.