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Calgary Parking Authority: November 24 is Accessible Parking Awareness Day

As part of its annual month-long Accessible Parking Awareness campaign, the Calgary Parking Authority (CPA) is asking motorists to leave designated parking spaces for people with disabilities.

"With the holiday season approaching, we understand that parking space is at a premium and that some people are more likely to take a chance and park illegally in a designated stall," said Troy McLeod CPA General Manager. "However, we are asking drivers to please be courteous and leave those spaces for people who truly need them."

Starting November 24 and running through the month of December, the CPA will step up its patrols of accessible parking spaces. During this campaign, officers will check to make sure that vehicles display either a valid parking placard or designated license plate.

From January 1 to November 1, 2011, 5,566 tickets have been issued for unauthorized parking in a designated stall. Last year, a total of 6,010 tickets were issued, with 693 tickets issued in December alone.

"We have issued approximately 6,000 tickets each year for the past two years," said McLeod. "Although fines for unauthorized parking in a designated stall were increased by $50 or 33% since last year, we unfortunately have not seen a corresponding increase in compliance."

In January 2010, the fine for parking illegally in an accessible stall was raised to $200 if paid within 10 days, $250 if paid within 30 days and $300 after 30 days. Previously it was a $150 fine.

As part of its campaign, the CPA is also hanging large outdoor banners on pedestrian walkways around the city. In conjunction with the City of Calgary's Creative Services, the CPA has developed an accessible parking video that is available on the CPA website at https://www.calgaryparking.com/web/guest/accessibleparking. In addition, the CPA also places ads and articles about accessible parking in Calgary community newsletters.

The Calgary Parking Authority asks Calgarians to be courteous this holiday season and leave accessible parking stalls for those who need them.