Editorial: Cracking down on parking violators

Tuesday, June 16, 1998 | 9:02 a.m.

It's one of the most infuriating sights -- able-bodied people bouncing out of their cars after parking in a spot reserved for the handicapped.

But a new program by Metro Police should help crack down on those illegally parked in handicapped spaces. Starting on July 1, Metro's first class of volunteer handicapped parking monitors will be patrolling area streets. They will try to find people parked illegally in handicapped spots, citing violators with $100 fines.

The program is made possible under state legislation signed into law in April 1997, which allows sheriffs and chiefs of police to train and give limited law enforcement authority to volunteers. Although the program should be beneficial, Metro is mindful of protecting the safety of the volunteers.

As temperatures start to soar this summer, tempers will likely flare as well from those given a ticket by a Metro volunteer. One valid concern is how the volunteers might react to dealing with irate people. It's important to note that the 19 volunteer monitors passed Metro's background checks, an oral board screening and 16 hours of training by city parking enforcement officials and Metro traffic officers.

Larry Baxter, who is with Metro's Volunteer Program, said the volunteers won't be vigilantes or aggressive people, adding that they have received training in how to defuse a confrontation. "They are very professional and will be working in a very structured, supervised environment. They will be doing their jobs by the letter of the law," Baxter told the Sun's Karen Zekan.

Admittedly, the issue of handicapped parking is not a life-or-death issue involving national security, but it's still important. Along with catching violators, hopefully the addition of these Metro volunteers will deter people in the first place from breaking the law. For the disabled who are dependent on handicapped parking spaces, this new program could make all the difference in the world.