Senator Witkos Calls for Strengthening Parking Protections for Disabled Drivers

State Senator Kevin Witkos, right, and Michael Jennings, left, testify before the Transportation Committee in support of legislation to strengthen parking protections for disabled drivers during a public hearing of the Transportation Committee on Wednesday, February 20th.

Hartford – State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) recently testified before the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee in support of Senate Bill 105, An Act Concerning the Enforcement of Parking Restrictions in Areas Reserved for Persons Who Are Blind or Persons With Disabilities. The proposal is currently being considered during the 2013 legislative session.

“As a former law enforcement officer with over 28 years of experience, I have heard every excuse in the book about why someone may be parked in a handicapped spot without a permit,” said Senator Witkos. “Many times these discoveries are through routine patrol and not directed by a complaint. Usually a warning is sufficient to curb the desire to park illegally, especially during the holiday season or now snow-filled parking lots where the number of parking spaces is limited.”

This proposed bill would protect the ability of persons who are blind or persons with disabilities to utilize handicapped parking resources. Section 14-253a of the Connecticut General Statutes currently reserves these parking privileges for those who display a special license plate or placard. It would require local police officers to issue either a written warning or a summons for a violation of the handicapped parking statute.

“My proposal is simple,” continued Senator Witkos. “Eliminate the discretion to provide a verbal warning by law enforcement and instead copy the procedure used by law enforcement when someone passes by a stopped school bus with its flashers activated. The law mandates that the police officer either issue a written warning or a summons. Now when a police officer sees a vehicle parked illegally in a handicapped spot, he or she will have access to a written record on whether or not the operator has been warned before and how many times.”

Senator Witkos introduced the bill after the matter was brought to his attention by Michael Jennings, a constituent who utilizes a handicap wheelchair van for transportation. On Election Day, Mr. Jennings went to vote and found a vehicle parked in the handicapped parking spot. There was no signage visible that the operator of the car had a valid permit to park in the spot.

Oftentimes, when law enforcement officers are called out to resolve vehicles parking in handicapped spots or blocking full access for handicapped vehicles, no enforcement action is taken. This bill would strengthen protections for those who rely on these parking resources.

“Sometimes, it takes a financial impact in order to get people to start paying attention to this important matter and respect those who truly require special parking privileges,” concluded Senator Witkos.

The proposed bill now awaits further action by members of the Transportation Committee.