Sylvania Twp. names officer to parking beat

3/20/2002

Sylvania Township will increase its enforcement of parking laws, police Chief Gary Copeland said.

Chief Copeland said the number of drivers who take places reserved for disabilities, double park, and stop in fire lanes appears to be increasing.

He said sometimes people without placards “are taking spots dedicated for the handicapped and in other cases the cars might have the placard, but the driver isn't disabled.

“Handicapped placards are issued to the individual not to the car,” the chief said. He added that police will take notice if an apparently able-bodied person gets out of a car in a spot for the disabled.

He said he understands that in some instances people who appear to be well have a valid medical reason for needing a parking space for the disabled.

The chief said it would be a good idea if the state could issue the placards with a photo of the individual for whom it is meant.

Although enforcement in the various shopping areas in the township will be increased, he said road patrols will not be reduced.

An officer who is assigned to light-duty because of an injury will begin patrolling for parking violations, the chief said.

Officers on light-duty have traditionally been assigned to office jobs, but Chief Copeland said he felt it is more effective to have them look for parking violations.