WINTER's arrival has meant challenges for those use who depend upon marked disabled parking spaces, says City of Terrace bylaw officer Dwayne Sheppard.
“The harsh winter weather has led to problems on the road, especially for drivers trying to get into parking lots,” he says.
“But the problem can turn dangerous for people with disabilities who report some disabled parking spaces are being used by illegitimate users.”
“Snowfalls and ice conditions make it difficult for people with mobility issues to navigate the icy roads and sidewalks. Parking in disabled parking spaces when not permitted to do so also makes it difficult and dangerous for people with mobility issues,” he said.
“Also, when parking near disabled spaces provide room, many of the vehicles carrying people with mobility issues use ramps and/or unload mobility scooters or wheelchairs. Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the disabled parking stall.”
Sheppard adds that it's also important for property owners and snow-clearing crews to ensure disabled parking spaces are visible and free of snow and ice.
The city does have a bylaw prohibiting people from parking in a designated disabled parking spot unless the vehicle displays a “valid handicap numbered Social Planning and Review Council of British Columbia (S.P.A.R.C.) certificate, or in a case of an out-of-province vehicle, any similarly authorized permit.”
A $100 fine may be issued and the offending vehicle may also be towed.