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Parking Police Crack Down on Handicap Fraud

Fines are skyrocketing for those who steal spots from disabled

By Zach Samalin, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 8, 2007 3:29 AM CDT

(Newser) – People without disabilities who park their cars in handicapped spaces are being slapped with more than just karmic penalties, as local officials and civilian whistle-blowers raise fines and dole out more tickets, the AP reports. With more handicapped placards in circulation than ever, governments are getting savvy to parking fraud.

In some places, citizen volunteers patrol parking lots and dole out tickets; in others, fines have spiked from $40 to $250. Waltham, Mass., police have a special detail dedicated to handicapped-parking offenders that has raked in more than $32,000. "It strikes a nerve with people," says a Massachusetts DMV official. "They are taking spots away from those who really need it."

Phillip Shaw, disabled since breaking his back on the job, stands near a handicapped parking sign that says violators will be fined a minimum of $250 Sept. 17, 2007, in Xenia, Ohio. For Shaw, 62, walking... (Associated Press)

G.B. Stockport. Hazel Grove Sainsbury's. 2003. (LON44114) (Magnum Photos)

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Parking Police Crack Down on Handicap Fraud

Fines are skyrocketing for those who steal spots from disabled

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Firefighters Get Flu Shots —and Parking Tickets

'I'm not real sure how it happened,' Pittsburgh mayor says

Troubled CIA Op Busted in Fight Over Parking Spot

Raymond Davis was recently freed in 'blood money' deal after Pakistan killings

London Slaps Obama's Motorcade With Fine

Part of ongoing battle over 45K notices handed to US Embassy

British Homes Now Cheaper Than Ritzy London Parking

There's a disconnect betwee London and the rest of the country

Guy Pays $1 Parking Fine ... 35 Years Late

Stanley Baker sent the dollar in—despite not living in Florida, or knowing who got the ticket

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Parking Police Crack Down on Handicap Fraud

Fines are skyrocketing for those who steal spots from disabled

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

handicapped • parking space • parking ticket

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Firefighters Get Flu Shots —and Parking Tickets

'I'm not real sure how it happened,' Pittsburgh mayor says

Troubled CIA Op Busted in Fight Over Parking Spot

Raymond Davis was recently freed in 'blood money' deal after Pakistan killings

London Slaps Obama's Motorcade With Fine

Part of ongoing battle over 45K notices handed to US Embassy

British Homes Now Cheaper Than Ritzy London Parking

There's a disconnect betwee London and the rest of the country

Guy Pays $1 Parking Fine ... 35 Years Late

Stanley Baker sent the dollar in—despite not living in Florida, or knowing who got the ticket

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?