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Sound Off: Handicapped parking

Is the same vehicle — which has the proper handicapped license or placard — allowed to continuously park downtown in handicapped parking spots that have a lot of turnover?

Megan Gilliland, the city’s communications manager, provided this answer: As long as the vehicle is moved every 24 hours, there is no violation. According to city law, “a vehicle which bears a special license plate or placard pursuant to KSA 8-1,125, and is being operated by or used for the transportation of a person with a disability, may park in any parking space reserved for such vehicle, and can park for a period of time not to exceed 24 hours in any parking zone which is restricted as to the length of parking time permitted.”

Comments

Did_I_say_that 4 months ago

"...continuously park downtown in handicapped parking spots that have a lot of turnover?"

There can't be much turnover if the same vehicle is continuously parked in the spot.

What you meant to ask was, "That's my spot. Can you make them move?"

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Richard07 4 months ago

You're splitting hairs, did-i-say-that. Obviously the blogger meant in an area where rapid and contiuous turnover of parking spots is the norm is parking for extended periods of time permitted in handicap spots. Sheeesh.

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Did_I_say_that 4 months ago

No, Richard; I was simply adding some humor.

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50YearResident 4 months ago

The way I read this question is: Is it abusing the handicap parking permit for a vehicle to be parked on Mass St in the same handicap slot for all day, day after day?

My answer would be: YES

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Frankie8 4 months ago

Perhaps they work near where they are parked. Some handicaped do have jobs.

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MarcoPogo 4 months ago

Superman always had a handy cape.

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50YearResident 4 months ago

A job does not give you a free parking pass on Mass St.

1

tomatogrower 4 months ago

So they could just quit their job, if they can't get to it easily and go on disability, then you can abuse them for being a taker, right? Can't win, can they. I guess you'd be happier if disabled people would just die, so you can park a little closer and not have to look at them? Maybe put them all in a institution, so they can rot away?

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BorderRat 4 months ago

Do the handicap spots on downtown have meters? Don't know if I missed it last time I was back, but I remember seeing the signs but no meters.

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Did_I_say_that 4 months ago

Statute 8-1,126: Parking privileges for persons with disability. When a motor vehicle which bears a special license plate or placard issued pursuant to K.S.A. 8-1,125, and amendments thereto, is being operated by or used for the transportation of a person with a disability, such motor vehicle: 

  (a)   May be parked in any parking space, whether on public or private property, which is clearly marked as being reserved for the use of persons with a disability or persons responsible for the transportation of a person with a disability, except a parking space on private property which is clearly marked as being reserved for the use of a specified person with a disability;

  (b)   may be parked for a period of time not to exceed 24 hours in any parking zone which is restricted as to the length of parking time permitted, except where stopping, standing or parking is prohibited to all vehicles, where parking is reserved for special types of vehicles or where parking would clearly present a traffic hazard; and

  (c)   shall be exempt from any parking meter fees of the state or any city, county or other political subdivision.
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BorderRat 4 months ago

Thanks. I can understand the reserved space, but not exemption of parking fees.

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superwizbang 4 months ago

For those upset with this person being parked in the same spot for long periods of time--please remember that there are loft and apartment spaces along Mass street. Having a handicapped placard generally designates that one has a movement/locomotion hinderance (whether temporary or permanant). I would hate for someone to ask me to park much further away simply because I am handicapped and live downtown. If your argument is don't live downtown, then I must ask, are you willing to segregate downtown living spaces according to a person's physical abilities? If you are willing to have that discussion, please respond.

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mommatocharlie 4 months ago

Other problems that allow for a handicap placard/license plate include those who have serious lung/heart disease, and have great difficulty breathing with or without exertion. I have a pulmonary disease which has no cure--plenty of treatments, but the only "cure" is a heart/double lung transplant.

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50YearResident 4 months ago

If you live downtown in an up-stairs apartment then your handicap does not require special privilegies for a parking space if you are able to walk up and down 20 steps to get to your living quarters. There are no elevators to upstairs apartments, if you can make the climb, you can park some place else.

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superwizbang 4 months ago

Unfortunately, your argument is based once more upon speculation and accusation rather than fact or reason. A domicile, if rented, must be made available to qualified individuals no matter their level of handicap. In many instances, available living spaces in the downtown area are equipped with ramps and/or elevator access which would facilitate and accommodate handicapped individuals. While I would share your point that there are many people who abuse the handicap parking system, persecuting anyone using such a space for prolonged periods holds little merit. If anything your arguments should be based upon improving the verification system to ensure this benefit is extended to those who need it and not just those who obtain it.

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JackMcKee 4 months ago

90% of the people I see using handicap spots have absolutely nothing wrong with them.

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MarcoPogo 4 months ago

What about the Expectant Mother spots at Hy-Vee?

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50YearResident 4 months ago

Another wasted parking space. They need the exercise just like the rest of us. Nobody ever said an expantant mother should not walk to the door.

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Frankie8 4 months ago

Jack, please explain to me just how you know that. Take some photos and send them to the right people. It is against the law to use handicaped spaces when you don't need them and it is my understand that you need something from a doctor to prove you need that card before they will issue it to you.

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mommatocharlie 4 months ago

how do you know, Jack? Many people have invisible illnesses that prohibit them from walking great distances, but are not obvious to an observer. Your statement is an unfair assumption.

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Did_I_say_that 4 months ago

Jack - I am not sure how you make that assertion. Watching someone park and walk into a store is not a valid method of diagnosing a medical condition.

I have had a double fracture to my spine resulting in pinched nerves, severe sciatica, and acute arthritis. In addition I have asthma. None of these prevent me from doing most normal activities "some of the time". Nor, do they create the need to use a handicap parking spot "all of the time". Yet, my guess is that you could not watch me and tell when my lungs are struggling, my back is in significant pain, or sciatica makes it difficult to walk. It is then, that I use my placard. It is also then that you probably see a healthy appearing person using a handicap spot and pronounce your judgement of "absolutely nothing wrong with them." A judgement that would be wrong.

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consumer1 4 months ago

On several occasions I have seen trucks advertising repair, construction, painting, etc. parked at Home Depot parked in the handicapped parking spot with a placard hanging in the front window. ??? Splain that one to me Lucy...

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Did_I_say_that 3 months, 4 weeks ago

Those of us with physical limitations still have to work, Ricky. In fact, it is usually the physical requirements of work that exasperate disabilities.

Perhaps, you would rather everyone that qualifies for a placard to be on Social Security Disability?

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TheSychophant 4 months ago

Thanks for the enlightenment, Dr. McKee.

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tomatogrower 4 months ago

Do you have xray vision, Jack? Can you see if their back discs are destroyed? Can you see if their lungs are functional. If you really think they are not disabled, then call the police and have them ask for their id that they are issued. They can't get that without a doctor's ok. And it must be carried by the person who is disabled. For instance, if I used my husband's placard when he isn't with me, I could be fined. I often forget to take it off the mirror, but I don't use handicapped parking.

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DoubtingThomas 4 months ago

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

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DoubtingThomas 4 months ago

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

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merrill 4 months ago

People are entitled to a handicap placard if they are responsible for transporting a such person such as a slow moving senior citizen which may require verification from the doctor.

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