The illegal use of disabled parking stalls is the focus of February's BEEP (Photo: Shaun Penner)

By Shaun Penner

Bylaw Enforcement Education Program

Illegal use of disabled parking stalls the target of February BEEP

Feb 5, 2020 | 12:01 PM

Grande Prairie Enforcement Services is reminding drivers that handicap parking stalls are not just for anyone to park in.

This month’s Bylaw Enforcement Education Program (BEEP) is focussed on cracking down on the illegal use of disabled stalls around the City.

This is something Sgt. Ross Gear with Enforcement Services says comes down to a matter of respect for the people that need to use those spaces.

“People with mobility impairment issues really need those stalls. They need close access to whatever building they are going into. So, we’re just asking people to please respect that.”

The law states that any vehicle parked in such a space must have a valid and up-to-date placard hanging from the rear-view mirror with the registration number and expiry date facing outward, or have a valid handicap license plate. The placard being used must also belong to the individual it was issued to.

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Gear adds that the expiry date is on there for a reason, as permits are issued on a temporary or long-term basis.

“We also find people that are using placards that have been expired for a long time or are no longer valid,” said Gear. “We check it through our databases and talk to them and say, ‘if you’re going to continue to occupy one of these stalls, you must keep your placard up to date.’”

The fine if you are found to be in contravention of the law is $250. The municipal bylaws are enforced on both public and private land.

“I’m sure these people would gladly give up their parking stall for full mobility. So, let’s respect that it is needed.”