Handicapped Parking

A few years ago I wrote a number of letters on this subject basically on how the permits were being abused particularly by those not handicapped. Recently I noticed again a few complaints in regard to this problem including larger municipalities. Here is an example on what the City of Toronto does about handicapped parking by first making it very clear handicapped parking permits are issued to individuals NOT vehicles so that someone transporting a handicapped individual will have the parking benefits transferred to their vehicle.

In Toronto a permit holder may park besides being able to park in handicapped parking locations. a vehicle transporting a permit holder may park in areas where parking is prohibited except for rush hour routes which are off limits, on streets designated as " Permit Holders" areas exempt drivers may park at any time. When parking is for a limited amount of time , such as one hour parking, permit- holders may park for any length of time and do not need to abide by the time restrictions. Those with handicapped permits are also not required to pay at parking meters or other parking machines.

It should be noted permit-holders may not park in emergency, fire or snow routes, or on a bridge, a ' NO STANDING OR STOPPING AREA" an intersection and too close to a fire hydrant.

Regardless if you have an accessible parking permit you are still required to abide by safe driving and parking regulations.

These are the Toronto regulations for those who hold handicapped parking permits and I guess the question is to ask the City of Welland how many of Toronto's regulations are used here in Welland. Perhaps in the near future the City of Welland will issue their set of regulations?