#RespectTheSpace

Respecting the Use of Accessible Parking Spaces and Sidewalks

It is important to leave accessible parking spaces open for those who are legally entitled to use them. It is also important to leave sidewalks free and clear of any barriers. Please respect the space.

There is no reason to park illegally in an accessible parking space.

Accessible parking spaces help reduce barriers for people living with disabilities. Respect the designated parking spaces and the people who need to use them.

This includes blocking the access aisles (hash marked areas) that people use to safely exit their vehicle.

There is no reason to block a sidewalk.

Think of the individual in a wheel chair or using a mobility device, the mother with a stroller or even a young child learning how to ride a bike. You could create an unsafe environment when you block the sidewalk.

What are Accessible Parking Permits?

Permits are issued by Service Ontario to either a driver or a passenger with a disability or health condition. Some disabilities are obvious, for example people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

Don’t make assumptions.

Some health conditions are invisible such as people with heart or lung conditions. Permits are issued to people, not vehicles, so that people living with a disability can use the permit in any vehicle they are travelling in. That person must be in the car for the permit to be valid. If a person uses a permit not issued to them, it can result in a fine and the car may be towed and the permit may be seized.

Please do the right thing.

Accessible parking spaces help reduce barriers for people living with disabilities. You can help remove these barriers.

Respect the designated parking spaces and the people who need to use them.

Parking in an accessible parking space without a valid permit is punishable by a fine of $300.

None of these excuses will get you out of the $300 fine for parking illegally in an accessible parking space:

• I won’t be a minute; I only needed to pop in to pick something up
• I have a disability, I just forgot my permit
• I don’t have a permit, but I find it very difficult to walk
• Why should you be privileged? You don’t look disabled.
• I am a pensioner, so I am entitled to park near the shop
• I didn't know
• I’m doing a few things for my dad and it’s his permit

Can I park in the striped space between the accessible parking space?

The short answer is NO.

In addition to the accessible parking space, the striped access aisle next to the accessible parking space is needed by people using wheelchair lifts and/or assistive devices to get in an out of their vehicle.

It’s NEVER okay to park in the access aisle, even if you have an accessible parking permit.

Similar to parking without a permit, you could be fined $50.00 for blocking the access aisle.

Do not block the sidewalk.

Sidewalks are built to keep people safe and off the roadways. Did you know that you could be fined $50.00 for blocking the sidewalk?

Accessibility Advisory Committee
1 Municipal Centre Drive
Fort Erie, ON L2A 2S6
905-871-1600
bbradnam@forterie.ca
forterie.ca