KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffState goes after those who illegally park in disabled spaces

State goes after those who illegally park in disabled spaces

By Crystal Britt - bio | email

ANNA, IL (KFVS) - The state of Illinois created a new way for you to turn in people who park illegally in parking spaces reserved for the disabled.

The Secretary of State's office created a section on it's website for you to complain about these drivers.

The idea is to make it easier for people to report what Illinois considers "parking abuse."  

Have you ever been tempted to park in one of those spots?

May be you're running late, and there are several disabled spaces open?

You might want to think twice, especially in the Land of Lincoln knowing there's a new way for people to turn you in.

"I think it's really important," said Elsie Shaffer of Dongola. 

Shaffer just got a disabled sticker for her car.    

"It's been about three months."

She's witnessed others parking in spots she knew they had no business being in.

"I thought evidently they're in a hurry," said Shaffer.

Wanda Powell of Tamms agrees.  She says making her way in and out of the grocery store isn't as easy as it once was.

"I'm handicapped in my legs and back," said Powell. 

She too says she knows people break the law, parking in spots reserved for individuals like her.

"People getting in and out handicapped places that don't need them, and people drive around that is handicapped looking for a spot", said Powell. "It's a bummer, you get aggravated."

So instead of just getting mad at those people, the State of Illinois wants you to get even.

Go to this website: www.cyberdriveillinois.com

Head for the complaint form.

Make sure you've taken notes, and have gotten license plates numbers and other vital information to turn those people in.  

"I think people oughta respect parking spaces for people who really do need it, " said Ruth Walker. 

Filling out a complaint form is something Walker says she might be willing to do.  

"Yeah, I would consider that."

It's a $100 dollar fine if you get caught.

This program is unique at least in our part of the world.

There is nothing like this is available in the state of Missouri or Kentucky.

In those states, Heartland News found out you're just expected to contact your local police if you have a problem with someone parking in a spot where you don't think they have any right to be.

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