Number of people abusing right to park in accessible parking stalls is on the rise

Accessible parking spots seem to be at a premium in the city of Edmonton. That’s partially due to the fact that more and more people are parking in them when they shouldn’t be.

In the past three years, the city has seen an drastic increase in the number of parking tickets issued to those who park in accessible parking spots without the proper authorization.

For those who depend on those parking spots, it can be very frustrating.

“Those parking stalls are there for a reason and if we had the choice of parking in a regular stall we would most definitely do so,” says Zachary Weeks, who has spent his entire life in a wheelchair.

He says it’s also frustrating when even the accessible stalls don’t quite work.

“You come out and there’s someone parked beside you that wasn’t there when you arrived then you are again in that predicament of, ‘OK, how do I get into my vehicle and home to my family safely.'”

Erin Blaine from the City of Edmonton says she has heard all the excuses in the book. Ones like “I didn’t see the sign, I was only going to be a few minutes,” and so forth.

Blaine feels people should not be making excuses, though.

“We just need to leave those spots open for those who really need them.”

She says the number of tickets being handed out for these infractions is on the rise.

“We go from 2009, (when we handed out) just above 2,800 tickets for the year, 2010 just over 3,800, and then now, 2011, which came to just over 4,100.”

She adds the number of signs posted in the city has increased over the years as well.

Weeks says when there aren’t accessible stalls available he usually uses back parking lots, which can be dangerous.

“You are lower down to ground, people have blind spots and may not see you. You run the risk of getting hit,” he explains. 

Weeks says stalls that are wide, have visible signage and rounded curbs are ideal. He hopes more of these stalls will pop up in the future.

With files from Quinn Ohler.