The spots are convenient for a reason. Designated disabled parking spots are designed to offer those with disabilities easier access to shops and services, however, when these spots are used by non-permit holders, that opportunity is denied.
Twenty-six years ago, SPARCBC (Social Planning and Research Council of B.C.) established the parking permit system which gave legitimate disabled people visible evidence of their right to park in designated spaces close to entrances to shops and services.
Quesnel Seniors Advocacy Service is the local outlet for disabled persons to apply for a parking permit.
This year the fee has risen to $20, province-wide and the form is now pink.
Only one permit per applicant will be issued. Permits issued for permanent disabilities must be renewed every three years. Temporary permits will be valid for a period of time as determined by the physician (for maximum one year.)
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that his/her physician (only) had completed Part D (on the back of the form.)
The applicant is responsible for ensuring the form is completed and for any charges made by its completion.
In signing the application, the applicant is responsible for the appropriate use of the permit and understands that it is for their use only.
“The purpose of the parking permit is to provide the person with disabilities, whether visible or not, to access convenient parking to services,” SAS’ coordinator Susan MacNeill said.
“Those who don’t fit the criteria for parking permits are not, by law, allowed to park in designated spaces.
“Even if you, on behalf of a person with disabilities, display a permit, it’s only valid when you are transporting the person with disabilities who owns the permit and that person is either exiting or entering the vehicle to access services.”
She went on to say it’s not acceptable or compliant for the driver, who is not the permit holder, to utilize designated parking spaces by displaying someone else’s permit.
“Those who use those parking spaces without authorization are not only subject to fines but are denying persons with disabilities a much needed service,” MacNeill said.
Once the application is submitted, with the $20 fee and the medical portion completed by a doctor, with two pieces of identification, SAS can usually provide same day service.
So, on behalf of disabled and senior citizens, SAS asked the driving public to stay out of the accessible parking spaces.
By knowing the rules and abiding by them, the legitimate permit holders can then use the spots as they are designated.
Remember, it’s a offense under Division 38 of the Motor Vehicles Act pertaining to Disabled Persons’ Parking Permits if he or she:
• makes a false statement on an application;
• mutilates, defaces, or alters a permit;
• lends or transfers a permit to another person, whether or not that person is disabled;
• continues to use their permit past the expiry date;
• stops, leaves standing, or parks in a designated accessible parking zone but is not transporting a person with a disability, yet displays a valid parking permit;
• stops, leaves standing, or parks in a designated accessible parking zone a vehicle that does not display a valid parking permit, or a permit of similar nature issued by another jurisdiction.
And a final word of caution, it’s a finable offense to drive with anything obstructing your vision and this includes the parking permit.
“That carries a $100 fine,” MacNeill said.