The Hartford Police Department has been doing a great job lately enforcing traffic laws. The Traffic Division is issuing record numbers of citations and making contacts with drivers across the City.
Whether it is for distracted driving, seat belt checkpoints, DUI arrests or just poor driving habits, the numbers are way up. I think though , that there is one area that needs some additional attention, Handicapped Parking Permit abuse.
Many people think nothing of using a hang tag from a seas relative or using a tag from someone else even when they aren't in the vehicle. The State of Connecticut has made it a little tougher now that tags can be individually tracked with an ID number on them, but that requires a Police Officer to actually take the time to check that the tag is with the actual owner.CONNECTICUT NO LONGER ISSUES "LIFETIME" TAGS., THEY MUST ALL BE RENEWED PERIODICALLY NOW.
Just drive into the Walmart lot and see how many people think nothing of using a Handicapped parking space for their own premium parking space. And it is not just Walmart, it happens across the City, everyday by selfish people who don't think that may be taking up a valuable spot for someone that just might really need the space.
I have personally observed Handicap Parking violations by everyone from a State Representative, legislative plates and all, clearly abusing a Handicapped Parking space, a Police Officer in a Handicapped Parking space in front of City Hall because "he was just running in quick to pay his taxes" and a UPS truck delivering packages to a Medical Office building. What possible need could there be for someone using a Handicap space at a doctor's office?
I think it might be time to send a message with a focused effort on Handicap Parking violations campaign, similar to what is done for distracted driving regularly. Handicapped parking rules are in place for some of our most vulnerable members of our communities and HPD could send a clear message that enforcement is a priority. Even one day quarterly would make a difference and increase awareness.
And yes, in full disclosure, after my third stroke I did get a Handicap parking permit and I fully understand the need for the tags as well as the abuses.
THE HANDICAP PARKING ABUSE WALL OF SHAME
UPS driver in a Handicapped space
Staet Representative getting his Dunkin Donuts "fix" in a Handicap space ( no permit)
HPD Officer running in to City Hall to pay taxes parked in a Handicap spot (He no longer works here)
Here are some video's of what other Cities are doing





