Respect the Space – Brampton puts spotlight on accessible parking

Today, the City of Brampton launched an awareness campaign themed “Respect the Space” urging drivers to be mindful and respectful of accessible parking spaces. Coinciding with National Access Awareness Week, May 28 – June 2, the campaign aims to emphasize that accessible parking is not a privilege, but a necessity for those with disabilities to move around the city with ease.

During the next few months, this message will be spread through visual reminders at select accessible parking spots, video messages from community members, social media, and other channels, as well as an enforcement blitz.

At today’s Council meeting, Councillor Pat Fortini highlighted that accessible parking spaces are used by people with varying forms of disabilities, both visible and invisible. Visible disabilities are when the person uses an assisted device such as a wheelchair or walker. Invisible disabilities include sensory or cognitive impairments and health conditions that limit the individual’s ability to walk far. They are all eligible to use accessible parking spaces.

Key Highlights 

• One in seven people in Ontario has some form of disability. As the population ages, it is expected that in the next 20 years this number will rise to one in five people. 
• While there is a decreasing trend in accessible parking violations in Brampton, it is still sizeable at 3,400 parking tickets issued during the last three years 
• Non-permit holders are advised to avoid parking in an accessible spot even if it for a “few minutes” or when running a “quick errand” 
• Drivers parking next to an accessible parking spot should avoid parking on the access aisles. Marked with yellow stripes, the access aisles provide additional space for those with disabilities to get in and out of vehicles with ease 
• Permit holders who are eligible to park in an accessible spot are required to display their permit visibly on the dashboard or front windshield 
• When the permit holder is a passenger, an accessible parking space may only be used when the permit holder is travelling in the vehicle

Quote

When residents and visitors are more mindful about accessible parking spaces, we can make Brampton a more inclusive city. Working together – Council, businesses, community organizations, and the public – we can help raise awareness of this important cause and respect for people of all abilities, their independence and dignity.

– Councillor Pat Fortini, Council representative on the City of Brampton’s Accessibility Advisory Committee

Links  VIDEO: Accessibility for Life – #RespectTheSpace  City of Brampton Accessible Parking