Posted by geekguy2008 on May 22, 2008 at 1:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

-Make it easier for volunteers trained by law enforcement agencies to issue tickets to parking cheaters.

Citizens have ZERO authority and a citizen has no obligation to obey "orders" or accept "tickets" from someone who is NOT a certified/sworn LE officer for that jurisdiction.

Too funny! I can't WAIT to see how many people get their arses beat down when they try to issue a "ticket" to someone.

Posted by Thomas1776 on May 22, 2008 at 2:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the history of the General Assembly is clear when it comes to doing common sense things.

They will never pass a law that punishes employers who hire ILLEGAL mexicans. Illegals are an out of control problem yet these elected gangsters are bought and paid for by lobbyist and their clients.

All of them have got to be replaced or we are all doomed.

Posted by ColdBeer on May 22, 2008 at 6:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Enforcing any law about handicapped parking would be so expensive I don't think any of them could ever be truly enforced.

Posted by Early on May 22, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I thank God I don't need the sticker. I see people all the time abusing this privilege but you know what, they have to live with the guilt, glad I can walk!

Posted by Paul on May 22, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Typical stalling, just like the immigration bill ...

Give specially trained citizens the abliity to issue citations.

Posted by desspec on May 22, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

One must presently include Driver's License #, vehicle tag #, and VIN when applying for a Handicap placard. Simply put the VIN on the card. A handicapper riding with someone else can be let out by the front door, and the non-handicapped person driving can park as normal.

Posted by ColdBeer on May 22, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You'd have to have a policeman in every parking lot, 24/7. Then that policeman would have to interview everyone that parks in a handicapped spot to determine if the parking is valid. It'd be like trying to enforce the 10 items or less lines at WalMart.

I hate to see people abuse these spots, and when I see them do it, it makes me want to fire bomb the car, but I don't think there's any way to enforce any regulations on them. Our tax money is better spent in other ways.

Posted by jca on May 22, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

make it harder to get the placards

make the number on the placard the cars plate number. makes it easy to detect if its legal or not,

Posted by CyndiJustMe on May 22, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"A handicapper riding with someone else can be let out by the front door, and the non-handicapped person driving can park as normal."

I have a placard in my car for my special-needs child. Somehow, that is not an acceptable option, nor would it be for many people transporting mentally disabled adults. I don't ever park in a handicapped space when she's not with me, but I have used the placard in the parking garage to cover the fee if I had to be there specifically because of her, whether she is with me or not. Because of her, I have many additional expenses that people with a healthy child do not have (and not always obvious ones - like the inability to take a higher-paying job because it would not give me the flexibility to take off frequently for her doctor visits and sick days), and money is tighter than it would be otherwise, so any help is appreciated.

I agree that many people are abusing the privilege, and wouldn't have a problem with the state doing something about identification, but I think it's a tricky issue. What about people who have more than one disabled person in the family? Especially with disabled children, I know a number of people who fit this description. Making them get multiple placards or renewing more frequently is punitive, as it often requires taking time from work for parents who already take too much time from work for their children's care. As well, people don't think about the child being the one with the disability, and I dread the day someone confronts me about parking in the handicapped space because it doesn't occur to them that my apparently healthy child has severe heart and respiratory problems - do I offer to show them the scars up and down her chest?

Posted by carolinagal on May 22, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I work out at Curves with a lady who parks in the handicapped place to come inside and work out. Ah-fricking-mazing..........

Posted by Thomas1776 on May 22, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Prosecute the doctors and their staff who are breaking the law issuing these cards to people who are not really handicapped.

Nip it in the bud and start at the source of the problem; DOCTORS AND THEIR STAFF!!! Weed them out and punish them like the law says to do.

Posted by jmw29410 on May 22, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Authorized volunteers issuing tickets IS legal and effective. Such tickets ARE valid and WILL hold up in court. No tag? No placard? In a Handicapped space? Ka-ching!!!! Ticket! Short, sweet. and simple.

Last week at the WalMart by Tanger Outlets, I saw 3 vehicles that needed ticketing in a 5 minute period.

Posted by mte000 on May 22, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To remove the problem you have to remove the incentive. If parking were no longer free when using the placard then there would be virtually no incentive for these low-lifes to cheat and abuse the system. According to the article even the disabled rights activists seem to support this action. ("people with handicaps aren't necessarily poor").

Posted by UrGatorbait on May 22, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What a waste of time. We have bigger issues on tap I'm sure.

I love the big government folks on here. They can solve all our problems. The volunteers. Too funny. They are now redefining the definition of disabled or disability, government run amuck and some here want more. Like Cyndi said there's more than meets the eye.

We could give the disabled tasers and they could zap the low lifes that that take up these spots.

Maybe the volunteers would work. Start charging, hitting them in the pocket book since their brains are void and they are some lazy mofo's to boot.

Thomas you have issues.

Posted by outrage on May 22, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jca - make it harder to get the placards
make the number on the placard the cars plate number. makes it easy to detect if its legal or not.

The Placard has the Disabled person's DOB on it, so if we happen to see someone we think is abusing a placard, we ask to see their D/L. If it is not their placard it is confiscated.

Please, tell me we have other things in session that need to be addressed by these politicians. SCARY!

Posted by FiscalConservative on May 22, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I recently tore my patellar tendon and have temporary handicap parking. There is never a free handicap space. I couldn't imagine the frustration that people who are like this permanently feel.

Posted by RTC on May 22, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Stalling?
Maybe our legislators would benefit from a good dose of Metamucil?

Posted by Lois_Lane on May 22, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It just pisses me off when I see someone arrogant enough to park in a handicapped parking space and bebop inside the store while I circle the parking lot trying to find a parking space close. It's a total lack of respect. There have been times when an elderly person was behind me, with a handicapped placard visible on their rear view mirror, and I've bypassed a space just so they could have it. I just wait it out for someone else to move so I can park close.

Posted by carolinagal on May 22, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

reminds me of a saying....
men are like parking places... the good ones are taken and the rest are handicapped. :)

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on May 22, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Handicap parking now is nearly impossible to find.They need to come down on the Dr's who hand these things out left and right.My sister told me the other day that her Dr a while back had given her a placard for her severe arthritis.(its now much better)She refused to use it because she was fat at the time.She and I both laugh at the fat people on scooters sucking down diet coke that nearly mow you down at Walmart.I have personally seen families with wheelchair bound children have to park further away because of placard abuse.It sickens me.WAKE UP DR'S- BEING FAT AND LAZY IS NOT A HANDICAP!

Posted by grannyofsix on May 22, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

for those of you that do go to walmart kmart or target have you noticed that not only are people parking in the handicapped spots but when they get out the walk into the store and also get one of the scooters or those that come in with kids let the kids ride on the scooter. this is just as bad. I have only used the scooter thats right after my heart surgery. what did people do before all this they walk to the store from wherever they parked or were let out at the door. they use the cart in the store to lean on for support. nothing but abuse.

Posted by santeeuga on May 22, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As I see it this bill only has one flaw, but it is a major one! It would eliminate the use of handicap parking for those with TEMPORARY disabilities. This is so major that the bill should be revised or fail in it's present form!

Anyone who has ever had a major knee, leg, foot or ankle surgery will understand what I'm talking about! For those of you who haven't, think about it...You're on crutches for several weeks. Imagine trying to get your groceries, pick up your pain Rx, go to a Dr.'s appointment at a large medical facility, etc.

Another example: My husband had a massive stroke at age 38. Initally, he couldn't stand on his own. But he got better, Then, he couldn't walk without human assistance and a support device (walker, cane, grocery cart). But, he continued to recover (which took almost a year), inpart due to physical (and mental) theapy of "everyday life".

Yet another example: Same man, a year later, takes a direct hit to the forehead while pitching in a softball game (yes, he recovered that much!)...crushed a whole section of his skull, another stroke. Repeat of above.

And in all of the cases above, the Doctors are VERY, VERY, VERY reluctant to sign the DMV form! Even in the event of my Dad's knee replacement, or when they didn't know if, how well my husband would be able to walk!

And let's not talk about all the "flack" we got from the "friendly" DMV employees about having to issue a temporary placard! One even suggested we forged the doctor's signature! Good thing we happened to be on the way to the pharmacy with a new prescription!

Personally, I think anyone who uses handicap parking spaces under false pretenses should be ashamed, drawn, quarted, and then tarred and feathered and then hung out to dry!

Want the abuse to stop? Call the cops when you witness an abuse! Place the offender under Citizens Arrest! If we all will stop complaining, and start doing something about it, the Low Lifes will stop taking advantage of the Disabled (Permanent and Temporary)!

Posted by grannyofsix on May 22, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

who do you all think should be rightfully able to use the handicap card on the car what disablities do you think. i have a few in mind, just want to see what you all are thinking as well on this

Posted by FiscalConservative on May 22, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I didn't see the part about no temporary handicap parking. That is ridiculous. I tore my patellar (knee-cap) tendon off. After a month, I can bend my leg enough to drive while in pain. If there was no temp disabled parking, I would be screwed. I have no one to drive me around and this is a major knee injury that I had. I will only use the parking placard while I truly need it. My doctor is only giving me 2 months at a time for the temp disability then I have to see him and he will deem if it is still necessary. It will be for a few months more as I have not started my many months of painful rehab yet. As soon as I am healthy I will give it up. I no longer take walking for granted and can't wait til I can walk normally from a regular parking spot.

Posted by Just_Me_2 on May 22, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with CyndiJustMe. I too have a handicap placard for my daughter. It's not that easy to just drop the disabled person off and roam around the parking lot until I can find a parking space. My daughter has every right to have that disabled placard, and I will continue using it when she is with me. I have never parked in a handicap spot if I didn't have her with me. And actually, a lot of times I see a lot of OLD people with placards that might need the spot more, and I drive by, and we just park somewhere else. But she has just as much right to that spot as they do.
CyndiJustMe...I have actually had a few people confront me about why I was parking there. I had pulled in, and had JUST got out. My daughter wasn't even out of the vehicle yet. I put them in their place REAL FAST. I drug my daughter over to them, introduced them to her and said SHE is why we are parking here, thank you! I put up with comments and people looking a few times. Then I decided to be just as rude as them, and go ahead and answer their question for them, before they could ask!

Posted by Charles_Town on May 22, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope they do find a way to prevent people from abusing the handicapped placards. Not to sound mean, but one thing I do not understand is the free parking perk. Why should the parking be free, maybe discounts at the garages, but not free.

Posted by Just_Me_2 on May 22, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I had NO idea until these article lately, about the free parking. I do agree they could do away with that part. No reason that having a placard should keep a person from paying.

Posted by ColdBeer on May 22, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The idea of parking places for use only by handicapped individuals that really need them is a noble idea. I hate seeing the spots abused. Unfortunately, regulating the use of the spaces is all but impossible. The amount of money, time and effort it would require to ensure these spaces are used properly is not worth the final outcome. I'd rather see the resources used to fight bigger battles.

Posted by LadyTarHeel on May 22, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a placard and I wouldn't mind paying at a meter or in a parking garage. If it meant that I could park closer to where I work, then so be it. Since these articles have been running in the newspaper, I have seen fewer and fewer people parking at meters and using handicapped placards that they know don't belong to them. Obviously something is clicking in their heads. Just in case they do start doing the citizen ticketing thing though, I better go ahead and order my bumper sticker that matches my t-shirt. It reads, "You can have my parking spot if you promise to take my MS too".

Posted by notfromroundheah on May 22, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hmmm ... so much hub-bub. Where are you folks going that you NEVER find a handicapped parking space? I'm thoroughly puzzled at that. Fortunately, being hale & hearty, I don't have a need for that; however, it puzzles me how so many folks that bounce out of their cars, trot into the stores and trot back get the placards. How much sense does it make to circle the parking lots in futile searches of a closer parking spot, while guzzling fossil fuels? Geez people, get off your fat butts and walk an extra 10 feet, maybe you'll lose some of the flab and will certainly help the air.

Posted by JohnS on May 22, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They say you can pay $40.00 to one of the guys sitting outside the VA and they will get you one. Just limp a little if someone is watching.

Posted by Early on May 22, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by carolinagal on May 22, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

reminds me of a saying....
men are like parking places... the good ones are taken and the rest are handicapped. :)

That's becasue we are not good,,,until we are taken:))

Posted by CyndiJustMe on May 22, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just_Me_2 writes: "I drug my daughter over to them, introduced them to her and said SHE is why we are parking here, thank you!"

Part of my distaste for the possibility of being confronted is that my daughter doesn't realize she is handicapped. She was talking about a mute child at school (in self-contained special-needs classes like my daughter, but on a lower level) and said some kids were teasing this child because she was in the "handicap class", with no comprehension that she is also in a "handicap class". She doesn't understand that not everyone has heart surgery, needs an inhaler, is on a first-name basis with the nurses in pre-op, goes to therapy multiple times each week, etc. To have to point that out to some stranger in front of her will truly break my heart - I just hope it never comes to that.

Posted by Native_Ink on May 22, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The biggest group of scofflaws isn't people misusing handicapped plates, it's people using the small business plates for personal use. I'm not sure it's that the right term for the plates, but they're the red-and-white ones that start with P. They're supposed to be for commercial vehicles that need to load and unload in restricted areas, but I know several people who simply paid a little more for the plates so they could basically park anywhere they wanted without getting a ticket. Go down King Street on a Saturday night and you'll see them everywhere, parked anywhere they can find a spot, no matter if legal or not. And, because of the plates, they don't have to worry about getting a ticket.

Posted by luvmydogs59 on May 22, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a placard because of severe arthritis in my knees that affects my walking and because of back problems that also impair my walking. I've had back and knee surgery, but it isn't a cure-all. There are some days where I can walk better than others and if I know it will be a very short time that I have to walk (in a store or wherever),those days I try to be considerate and park in a normal spot. At Wal-Mart I usually try to park in a handicapped spot because when I go there, it's usually going to take me a long time to do what I have to do in the store and it involves a lot of walking. By the time I get done, I can barely stand up, even holding onto the shopping cart. I'm in pain just from standing too long as well. The line at the pharmacy is killer for me. For a store the size of Wal-Mart and the fact that it's always crowded, there are precious few handicapped spaces, no matter which one you go to, so that leaves many of us that have to park further away which only serves to aggravate the physical problems.

I'll sometimes get looks from people when I'm unloading my purchases into my car because sometimes I have to get heavier items. People aren't going to realize the pain I'm in when I have to lift something like a 12 pack of soda, or a bottle of detergent. I don't have anyone to help me, I have to do it myself.

There are also those handicaps that aren't visible. I have a friend with severe asthma, and when she has to walk too far, it will set off an attack. So just because you see someone get out of a car in a handicapped spot that doesn't have obvious physical disabilites, don't rush to judge what you can't possibly know.

I have parked in the garages downtown and at the airport and have never asked for, nor been offered, free parking. I didn't even know that you could park for free with a placard. Even though I know now, I'm still not going to ask for it. For the somewhat short times that I park there, the cost is not very much, so I see no point in exploiting it.

I have my placard, legally, for a reason, and I will use it in the manner intended.

Posted by LadyTarHeel on May 22, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

notfromroundheah: How can you assume that all people that use handicapped parking only get a placard because they are fat? I'm not the skinniest chic in the world, but I'm not huge and I have a handicapped placard. So don't be hasty to make assumptions. I take predisone daily and it makes me gain weight, which I'm sure a lot of people do. If me and my fat butt could park farther away I would trust me. Geez....I get heated when people do that. Especially if they don't know someone's situation.

Posted by Just_Me_2 on May 22, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CyndiJustMe....I do hope that you never have to endure that. Having someone confont you. But their are the rude ones out there that will. I'm sure you will handle the situation well if it happens! :)
I remember one time, we pulled into a handicap spot. This old woman came to my husband's car window before we were even DONE parking. She asked why we were parking there. She said that her husband had just driven around the building to come back to that spot. OK...and? I turned around to my oldest daughter and told her to wave at the old lady. And I continued to tell her WHY my daughter is authorized that placard. I asked her why she and her husband have one, and her reply was...."Our doctor gave us one cause we are getting old". BULLSH*T. So I know there are people out there with them because they are "old"!

Posted by ashmob on May 23, 2008 at 3:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's pretty simple to me. Stop making an issue out of things that are not important and work on getting us cheaper gas. Some people may be old and cant see very well or have other underlying disablilites that is naked to the onlooker. So there wasnt a handicapp spot at yout local walmart, walk or wheel yourself into the store. Some peple do get them b/c they are older and their body isn't what it used to be, but they hop out of an F150 and walk into the store like 30 year-old man. Can we find something else to complain about. And yes, I believe that the handicapped still should have to pay for parking in garages. Handicapped people dont like being called handicapp and like to be independent, so walk or wheel into the store like everybody else if you are going to make the decision on who is disabled and who is not. I have a 74 year old grandmother that walks from the hospital lots and makes it in just fine, but someone has to drive her. At least she's not 74 driving around looking to catch people parked in handicapp spaces illegally. Dont waste time on something so insignificant. Play with your grandchildren or your neighbors grandchildren.

Posted by Clemsurf on May 23, 2008 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm very angry that my comments were deleted. I didn't use any bad words or say anything inappropriate. I also notice a few other people's comments were deleted as well. What's the point of having a message board if everyone can't express their opinions? It would be different if I had said something inappropriate. Go ahead and delete this as well.

Posted by notfromroundheah on May 23, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LadyTarHeel: If you had completely read my comments, you would realize that I was 'ranting' about the people who literally leap out of their cars, run into and out of the stores after parking in a handicapped space. I have no beef with folks utilizing their placards and I am intelligent enough to know that handicaps are not always apparent. Did you note the comment from coolfreakinbeans? How many of us stood up and applauded? In a society that seems to encourage laziness, when will the America we grew up with stand up and be strong? Pshhhh .... whine, whine, whine, ad naseum. People, get off your butts and make a positive difference.

Posted by LadyRenegade on May 23, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

During a recent visit to a local discount store, I was walking out to the parking lot to my vehicle (I have spinal stenosis, osteoperosis and 3 herniated disks. I use a cane, a walker or wheelchair, and sometimes don't need anything at all, it depends on the level of pain.) That day I was using my cane (when I don't need assistance I do not use a handicapped spot, period!)...I had miraculously parked at the first spot, so I was stepping through the blue stripes at the end of the lane to my vehicle when all of a sudden a car whips in, comes within a foot of hitting me and screeches to a halt! A blue placard was hanging from the mirror. With no apology, two woman get out and start to walk into the store. I was stunned and merely stated "I guess it's make your own handicapped parking spot day" The women gave me an evil look! I do not have a placard, I have a plate. I do not abuse my privilege and that is what it is a privilege, it is not a right! I would gladly trade the pain with anyone to have a regular plate! My personal opinion is that the driver of the main vehicle should have to have a plate mandatory. It's $20 vs $1 (or is it $2?) for a placard. For those that are handicapped, please don't use the blue lines and make your own spot. Your doing so may well be inhibiting someone from getting into their vehicle. Had I been in my wheelchair that day, I would not have been able to get in to mine and would have definitely been hit.