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Think before you park in that handicap space
By Times Staff Writer
Published December 23, 2007
The St. Petersburg Police Volunteer Road Patrol provides high-visibility security in the parking lots of the major retail outlets during the holidays. The patrol supplements the efforts of police officers to deter burglars and thieves from stealing cars and gifts. It has been very successful, with surprisingly few reports of auto burglaries and auto thefts during this shopping season. However, handicapped parking violations are another story. Parking spaces for disabled drivers are prime real estate in crowded lots, and we have seen an increased number of violations this year. Patrol volunteers are certified as parking enforcement specialists, and they cite all handicapped parking violators. The fine for using a handicapped parking space without a permit is $250. They have also cited many able-bodied shoppers unlawfully using someone else's permit. To catch these folks, volunteers check the driver's license number on the placard in the car while the shopper is in the store, and if the driver is not the lawful owner, they receive a court date for a second-degree misdemeanor (yes, it is a criminal offense) andthe $250 citation. Last week, 10violators were cited during a four-hour period. In two of those cases, the drivers were using the permits of someone who had died. So, let's be considerate of disabled people and remember that it is unlawful (and expensive) to park in a handicapped parking space without a permit. And if anyone is interested in becoming a member of the volunteer road patrol program, call Officer Tonia Nave at (727) 893-7141. William Proffitt, St. Petersburg police spokesman
[Last modified December 22, 2007, 21:26:46]
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by david
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12/24/07 09:05 AM
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I believe handicap parking spaces have miraculous medicinal properties, because almost everyone who parks in one can miraculously walk!!!
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by Don
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12/23/07 08:39 PM
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The fine for illegal handicapped parking is $258. Not $250.
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by Joe
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12/23/07 12:09 PM
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I totally agree, leave the spots for those of us who need it. I also wish DMV would start checking on those who already have permits. I have seen many times people getting doctors to sign the form when they really do not need it.
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by Dave
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12/23/07 10:09 AM
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People who use scooters don't need a handicap space unless they have a side-load ramp in a van. They're going to ride in anyway! Lifts on the raer of a car can park in any space in the lot. Don't use a handicap space, you don't warrent it.
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by Warren
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12/23/07 10:04 AM
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Thank you Road Patrollers! I need a disabled space. People with hangnails and chipped teeth are not disabled but think they are. To you people who use other people's placards, when you are caught, I hope you are fined the full asmount, $1,000.00
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