Disabled-parking Space Squatters Will Find Themselves On 'naughty' List
Secretary of State Police are conducting stings at shopping malls in the state, ticketing people who illegally park in handicap parking spaces, Secretary of State Jesse White said. The effort, now in its 14th year, began Friday at shopping centers in Springfield, Schaumburg and Fairview Heights and will spread around the state through December. “Our mission is not to issue tickets but to ensure that accessible parking spaces are available to those who need them,” White said. “Parking illegally in a space reserved for people with disabilities means a possible driver’s license suspension and a hefty fine, money which could otherwise be used on gifts.” The bottom line, he said, is “if you don’t belong there, don’t park there.” Fitzgerald has worked in the developmental disabilities field for more than 35 years and also has a disabilities-parking placard for her personal use because of a knee problem, she said. “There are times I wouldn’t be able to go in a store” without the ability to pa...