Disability Parking Rules in our Region
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2012-03-19/disability-parking-rules-our-region
You may have noticed new 'red top' parking meters popping up around the District. There will soon be 1,500 of them marking spots reserved for use by people with disability tags or placards only. More controversial are new rules that require everyone to pay to park-even at those red top meters. We look at accessible parking rules around our region, and what they mean for all drivers.
Guests
Betsy Luecking
Disability Policy Specialist, Montgomery County
Bob Herman
Senior Advocacy Attorney, Paralyzed Veterans of America
Muriel Bowser
Member, D.C. Council (D-Ward 4); Chair, Committee on Government Operations
Terry Bellamy
Director, District Department of Transportation (DDOT)
Comments
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Hi Kojo,
I read that "...the red top meters will account for nine percent of all metered parking spots in the city". I found that number curious and did a quick search to learn that A CDC study reported that 47.5 million US adults (21.8%) reported a disability in 2005. I had no clue.
Fasika,
Washington DC,
I think people with disabled tags should pay for parking, maybe a slightly lower rate for more time. I agree that they need parking spots that are only for them, but they should at least pay something.
I work at 400 6th St. SW. There is one old handicap parking spot in front of the address and there are two red top meters further down the block. The space at the address has a handicap street sign and a regular meter. This seems ambigious. Old handicap sign and a regular meter. Also, why were the red top meters put at the 400 6th St. SW address since there is a handicap ramp there and handicap persons needing access that location should not have to walk from the end of the block to the address.
I am disabled. I am disappointed with the new policy. I don't mind paying for my parking but I want to be able to park as closely to where I am going as possible. I go to a doctor in the Friendship Heights area and I am concerned that there won't be red top parking there. Of course, I could park in a regular spot if I can get closer but then I do not get extra time. I need that extra time because I walk very slowly.
I live in Leesburg, Virginia. I did not hear about this new policy until after the last time I went in to my doctor and I got a ticket. What effort is being made to inform people who do not live in DC?
Hi, can you ask the Director to clarify pay by phone. It is my experience that you cannot extend time at the meter using your cell phone if you have already reached the maximum amount of time for that meter. Will this be different for the red top meters?
I think the rules depend on which meter it is. Some have a time limit, some don't.
I’ve lived here for a year and a half after moving from Boston. It’s not just about accessibility of the meters. I can reach the meter, but I have to drive between stores that are a quarter a mile away from each other because unlike an able bodied person, I cannot walk back and forth. I end up paying when I’m doing errands over and over again if I have an errand that is three blocks away. It’s also difficult because there is such a limited amount of parking during rush hour. I am trying to work full time and remain independent in this city, but I see many roadblocks here.
How many red top meters are there going to be? I have yet to see one in Dupont, Farragut North, Adams Morgan or Columbia Heights yet I've seen plenty of people ticketed for using a placard but not paying the meter. It has to go both ways. It makes me particularly upset to think how unwelcome disabled people are in the nation’s capitol! Aside from disabled veterans, there are so many people who travel here expecting to be welcomed. When I first moved here, I thought of moving back immediately because I felt that disabled people are not welcome here.
It’s important to note that I cannot take the Metro because I have an invisible but very serious case of rheumatoid arthritis, so I cannot get a seat. The movement of the train or bus is excruciating.
It’s also horrendous that this is being put in place because of fraud. Why are the people with limited incomes who are trying to live a life with a major impediment that much harder. If the city says fraud is the problem, then the city should address fraud.
Great show Kojo! Thanks for brining this issue to the fore on the use of handicapped parking. I have handicapped licensed plates issued by Montgomery County, Md. Because my disabilities are "invisible" (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, etc.) I am constantly being challenged by other citizens when I use handicapped parking. Sometimes it's simply hard stares from individuals, and at other times it's outright verbal challenges that have been accusing and quite mean spirited. I try my hardest to educate the public about the use of handicapped spots by those of use who are not in wheelchairs (although I often carry a cane). I have never, however, been challenged by law enforcement. If I were, I'd be more than happy to show them my state-issued ID card verifying that it is indeed me who is the handicapped individual.
Thanks again!
The caller Jack with the 500.00 ticket, Pay it