Salem Strengthens Regulations to Preserve Handicapped Accessible Parking

In order to preserve access to handicap parking to drivers with a disability, the City of Salem has increased the fine for parking illegally in a marked handicapped space to $300. This amount is the maximum level allowable under state law. Fines collected for this violation are reinvested in accessibility projects and programs.

“The misuse of accessible parking spaces compromises the availability of parking for drivers with disabilities,” said Deb Lobsitz, Chair of the Salem Commission on Disabilities, which had recommended the change. “Increasing the fine creates a deterrent to people using the spaces out of convenience rather than out of need. This is one more step toward making Salem accessible. Because the fines are available for funding additional projects to improve barrier removal, it serves to improve accessibility twice by reducing abuse and by funding accessibility projects.”

“By increasing the fine associated with this violation we will, hopefully, help further discourage illegal parking in handicapped spaces,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll. “In addition, because the revenues generated from this fine are reinvested in programs and projects that help increase accessibility in our community, we will be able to provide additional funding for these worthwhile initiatives. In addition, by ensuring our streets and public parking are better able to be utilized by drivers with disabilities, we continue to live up to the standards set by our City’s nationally-recognized complete streets policy, which calls for a transportation system that is accessible to all.”