Those in Anne Arundel County who illegally park in handicapped space may be levied a $500 fine for breaking the law.
The County Council amended County Executive?s John Leopold?s legislation to increase the fine by $400 instead of $100. The bill goes up to vote July 2.
However, issuing that penalty is at the discretion of the officer to enforce at the scene.
“Generally, we attempt to take care of the situation verbally …,” county police spokesman Cpl. Mark Shawkey said. “We?ll try the path of least resistance. A prior on their record might step it up to citation.”
Linthicum Heights resident Ronald Howard, who uses a wheelchair, testified before the council Monday that police have not responded to some of his calls and officers rarely write citations.
“They?re clearly violating the law,” Howard said. “It?s sometimes tied me up for an hour, hour and a half. That makes it harder to go out in public when you have a schedule you?re trying to maintain.”
Increased complaints of violators has led to Operation Access, a county police program aimed at increasing citations and awareness of violating parking laws.
For the rest of the year, officers are encouraged to write citations, and fliers are posted on vehicles that improperly display handicapped tags and placards.
“We all agree the parking issue needs to be looked at, and I think what we are seeing is a marriage of enforcement and strengthening the law,” said Pam Jordan, the county?s American with Disabilities Act coordinator.
TO CALL
» Residents can call 410-222-8610 to report violators.
» Depending on the number of high priority calls, an officer should respond right away, county police spokesman Cpl. Mark Shawkey said.
» Police said motorists should not confront violators.
