State Representative Gail Lavielle introduced a bill to require photos on Handicap Permits. She was joined by Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling in support of the bill at the Feb 14 Transportation Committee Public Hearing.
The Norwalk Hour covered the hearing:
“Perhaps no permit get abused as much as those blue handicap parking tags, designed to assist those who are truly handicapped to be able to park close to their destination.
It has taken some time, but now most handicap parking spaces are properly marked, both on the pavement and with a visible blue and white sign at its front. Yet how many times have you seen someone pull into such a spot with no visible handicap, just be because it is convenient? They may say defensively, “I’ll only be a minute — just have to mail a letter” — or perhaps purchase a lottery ticket.”
Under the law, the person for whom the permit is issued — the handicapped person — must be present in the car in order to park in the spot.
Now a legislator has come up with a solution. Rep. Gail Lavielle, R-143, has introduced a bill that would require the permits to carry a photo of the person for whom it was issued.
To us, that makes a lot of sense. It certainly would assist officers in enforcing the law, not always easy these days with the abundant abuse of the permits. Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling endorses the bill as an aid to his officers.”
