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Just in time for the busy holiday season, Edmonton drivers are being reminded not to park in accessible stalls unless they have an official placard.

Mayor Don Iveson is urging Edmontonians to work together to ensure accessible parking stalls are available for people with reduced mobility.

“These parking stalls are a necessity for people with disabilities, providing them with safe access to residences and businesses,” Iveson said.

“Unfortunately, it is quite common,” Troy Courtoreille, co-ordinator with the City of Edmonton’s Community Standards Branch, said. “Even though we’re actively patrolling and ticketing, we suspect we’re only seeing a small portion of the total infractions on a daily basis.” Tweet This

So far this year, more than 3,200 parking tickets have been issued for parking illegally in an accessible parking stall.

That’s why the City of Edmonton has designated Nov. 21-25 as Accessible Parking Week with the tag line: “Lazy is not a disability.”

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READ MORE: Edmonton cracks down on drivers illegally parking in disabled stalls

There are approximately 150,000 accessible parking stalls in the city for residents who have impaired or lower mobility.

“By respecting the need for designated parking stalls, we create an inclusive city where all Edmontonians can actively participate in our community,” Coun. Tony Caterina said. Tweet This

“As we near the holiday season, our shopping centres are getting busier which means parking is at a high demand,” he added. “That’s why the City of Edmonton is reminding people about the importance of keeping accessible parking stalls free for people who need them.”

The fine for parking in an accessible stall illegally is $250. Drivers are also subject to towing and impound fees.

“Since 2014, the City of Edmonton has had to issue over 10,000 tickets for people parked illegally- that’s averaging about 3,600 tickets per year,” Courtoreille said. “I think there’s very much an attitude where they’re just not conscious of how they’re affecting citizens who need these stalls.”

“Laziness is not a disability and we’re really encouraging citizens to park responsibly,” he said. Tweet This

Demand for parking placards has increased from 20,000 in 1992 to about 154,000 in 2016.

“Even a few seconds of blocking one of these stalls affects the quality of life of our citizens,” Courtoreille added.

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“It won’t always be obvious to you that someone needs an accessible parking space,” Erin Jackson said.

Jackson sits on the city’s Accessible Advisory Committee and uses a wheelchair herself.

She’s heard all of the excuses.

“‘I’m only going in for one minute,’ or, ‘I’m just picking someone up.’ It’s just one of those things we don’t put our minds to and we need to keep those spots open for residents that really need them.” Tweet This

Residents who see someone parked illegally can call 311 or the non-emergency complaint line at 780-423-5467. Parking officers can be dispatched to investigate.

Parking permits for people with disabilities are issued by Alberta Transportation.

with files from Slav Kornik