Bylaw officers in Medicine Hat will have a heightened focus on enforcement of illegal use of parking spaces designated for those with disabilities. (Kevin Kyle/CHAT News)

By Jesse Gill

Bylaw offers in Medicine Hat increase focus on compliance at handicap parking spaces

Mar 8, 2024 | 3:50 PM

A disabled parking space is a designated parking space which has been marked out in a parking lot or in front of a store as being for disabled persons only.

Throughout late January and early February, the Medicine Hat Police Service has heard a number of complaints from the public about handicap spaces and how they are used.

A proactive approach was put in motion by the City of Medicine Hat’s bylaw division to patrol the spots regularly.

Since Feb. 10, officers have completed about a dozen patrols and handed out four infraction notices.

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Those who need a handicap pass or placard can fill out an application, which needs to be approved by a medical professional before being submitting to a registry.

Supervisor of Municipal Enforcement Brad Potts said it’s important to have these wider parking stalls with a closer proximity to the buildings available to help accomodate those with a disability.

“I think it’s important that we work as a community and make sure that the people that need these spots, they are accessible and available for them,” Potts said.

“Be [cognizant] of where you are parking, and if you do have a placard, make sure you hang it so we know it’s supposed to be there.”

If an individual doesn’t have an active handicap placard while parked in a handicap space it can lead to a $200 fine.

If a resident sees someone parked in a handicap space illegally, they are encouraged to call police dispatch at 403-529-8481.