The misuse of accessible parking
Photo of SUNY Geneseo work vehicle in accessible parking courtesy of Aaron Packard
As a student who utilizes accessible parking on the Geneseo campus, it has come to my attention that there is continual misuse of the allocated parking spaces for the disabled community. Accessible parking spots are the spaces in the parking lot that are located the shortest accessible distance from the most accessible entrance of the building.
In order to understand the importance of the proper use of these spaces, it is important to know the legal requirements of these spaces. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), there are a certain number of accessible spaces in a parking lot that is dependent upon the number of parking spaces provided. For example, if an establishment’s parking lot provides 1 to 25 spaces, they are required to provide a minimum of one accessible space. If a parking lot has 101 to 150 parking spaces, they need to provide at least five accessible spaces.
Along with the space number requirement, there is also a requirement for access aisles. The ADA states that, “Access aisles provide a designated area for people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices to get in and out of their car or van.” This allows a person who may use these aids to maintain their autonomy by providing an area that they can safely utilize in the conduct of their day-to-day lives.
In order to park legally in these spaces, you must obtain an accessible parking placard/hang tag or license plate. In order to receive one of these permits, one must complete the MV-664.1 also known as the “Application for a Parking Permit or License Plates, for Persons with Severe Disabilities” form with a healthcare professional. A person can be eligible for a permit if they have a permanent or temporary disability.
According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV), “The fine for illegally parking in a space reserved for people with disabilities is $50 to $150, plus a mandatory $30 surcharge.”
You would think that this monetary consequence would deter people from misusing the spaces, but that is not the case. Unfortunately, it is a common occurrence for accessible parking to be used incorrectly.
I personally have observed the inappropriate use of accessible parking spaces by students, faculty, and staff both on and around the SUNY Geneseo campus. Some examples of this misuse I have observed include parking in the spaces without an accessible parking permit, idling in an accessible space without a permit, and parking in the designated access aisles near the spaces.
A specific example that I will present to you is as follows. There are three accessible parking spaces behind the residence hall, Monroe, on the Geneseo campus. Between the two of the three spaces is an access aisle that connects to a lowered curb that allows one to access the sidewalk. A few nights ago, I pulled into the parking lot and saw that all of the spaces were occupied. One of the cars parked in an accessible space had no permit displayed, was running, and had its hazards on. A car in the same state was idling in the access aisle blocking the accessible access to the sidewalk. Also in this particular parking area there are around three loading zone spaces, all of which were empty at the time of this incident.
Another incident in which I specifically can specifically recall took place in the small accessible parking lot in between Bar-Eat-O and Bailey Hall. There are three accessible spaces in this area. On multiple occasions on my way to class, I have seen a green golf cart, which I presume belongs to the Geneseo campus, which has been parked in both the access aisle and accessible spaces. This unfortunately has been a recurring event.
As a person who utilizes these spaces, it was a frustrating experience, but it is also important to recognize that I do not know the situation that prompted the incorrect use of the spaces. That being said, next time you are parking your car, I urge you to take a moment to think about where you are parking and the impact your choices may have on others.
