Handicapped Parking

[Nebulous]

Source: http://www.parkingexperience.org/article/handicap-parking-debate/

Handicap parking spaces are essential to many. However some store owners and customers are asking, how much is too much? Its a touchy subject but some local Toronto business owners (who have asked to remain anonymous) are questioning rules and the legitimacy of many users of these spots.

One major Toronto Mall manager says "we're all for parking equality, but we do believe many people are abusing the system"

Another business owner within the same mall says "On a busy weekend I must lose 5 to 10 percent of customer traffic because people get tired of looking for a spot near my entrance and go somewhere else.

Parkingexperience.org decided to ask what you think. Do we have way to many handicap parking spots? Do you believe that everyone that has the "sticker" is actually in need of these spots.

Tom from Toronto says "If they're handicap then why are they driving in the first place?"

Kelly from Mississauga says "I'm sorry to have to say this but I believe most people who use handicap spots are borrowing the car of a their grand parents. I've seen to many young and healthy people walking out of those cars"

Sean from Markham says "The spots are always empty, why cant we use them? there should be rules in place for when a handicap parking spot is empty"

Overall most people we spoke to believe the handicap should be able to park closer than the rest of us, but only if they are truly in need.

So as the article asks,
Do we have way too many handicap parking spots? Do you believe that everyone that has the "sticker" is actually in need of these spots?


...Have you ever parked in a handicapped spot? Do you think it's ethically wrong for a non-handicapped person to park in a handicap spot?

 

[DrLeftover]

Some time ago when my knee was having a bad day and I wasn't my normal jovial self, I saw a 'youngster' park in a marked spot and get out and walk into the store talking on their phone.

They did not display a placard, they did not have the special license plate they were simply being an ass.

I blocked them in with my old van and put up my blue tag, then went in and did my shopping.

When I came out, the chump was sitting in their car, still on the phone. They started to call me all kinds of names when I held up my hand and told them I was waiting on the cop to arrive to give them their ticket.

They drove over the curb and across the sidewalk to get out then.

 

[LegendHidden]

Do we have way too many handicap parking spots? Do you believe that everyone that has the "sticker" is actually in need of these spots?
No I don't think we have to many handicap spots. There are more non handicap spots than handicap spots. And I also do believe that everyone with a disability (handicap) are in need of those spots. I have seen many people in need of those spots at the store, at the doctor, and many other places as well.

 

[Jazzy]

Do we have way too many handicap parking spots?
No. There are way more non-handicapped spaces than handicapped ones.
Do you believe that everyone that has the "sticker" is actually in need of these spots?
The holder of the "sticker", I believe is in need of these spots. There is, however, no way to stop the friends/relatives of these holders from using their vehicle. I have seen plenty of times a vehicle with a handicapped "sticker" parked in a handicapped spot. The person getting in and out of the vehicle was by no means handicapped. When you can run into the store and run back out, I'd like to know what handicap that would be classified as.
...Have you ever parked in a handicapped spot?
Yes when I was issued a "temporary handicapped placard" when I had surgery on my ankle. After it expired, I had to return it to Motor Vehicle with proof of medical release that I could now drive without needing a handicapped placard.
Do you think it's ethically wrong for a non-handicapped person to park in a handicap spot?
Absolutely. I have seen all the handicapped spots taken and people (with stickers/placards) driving round and round the parking lot trying to find a spot. Some of the cars in the handicapped spots had NO handicapped plate, sticker or placard. In my opinion, these cars should be reported to the Store Manager or Police Department. When given a hefty fine for parking in a handicapped spot, perhaps they'll think twice the next time about doing it.

 

[LegendHidden]

Have you ever parked in a handicapped spot?
Yeh we've parked in a handicap spot before.

Do you think it's ethically wrong for a non-handicapped person to park in a handicap spot?
I do think it's wrong , but I think if you're just running the store or where ever you are to get something quickly I don't see a problem with it at all.

 

[Fatal Dawn]

I have seen plenty of times a vehicle with a handicapped "sticker" parked in a handicapped spot. The person getting in and out of the vehicle was by no means handicapped. When you can run into the store and run back out, I'd like to know what handicap that would be classified as.

I agree with you mostly, but I do have to challenge this point. How did you conclude someone was handicapped based on this observation alone? I say this because I know that this is a very contentious issue for those living with invisible disabilities where you can't determine their level of handicap through just a passing glance. For example, one woman I know has lupus and is anemic and she describes how she is criticized for using the handicap parking by strangers who don't understand or recognize her limitations.

To quote from her blog:

That’s why I feel that I live a life of invisibility... I have to constantly explain things, like why I am parked in a handicap parking space...
http://checkorphan.wordpress.com/tag/sickle-cell-anemia/

Again this is not to challenge your specific experience but the point of argumentation.

 

[Sinon]

I think we could do with more handicapped parking spaces, but they need to be dealt with better. Too often I see people parking in them who are obviously able-bodied. There needs to be some sort of downside when people park in them who don't need them.

 

[chatterbox]

Yes there is abuse of these spots. Some people park there because they are too damn lazy to walk a distance so they take a handicapped spot. And what about those that need to be closer to the store/mall front doors ? Do they now have to park a distance away because of some self centred sob ?
And to Tom from Toronto who thinks that once one is handicapped they should no longer be driving.....your a first class asshole.