DERRY — People who have a handicapped parking placard — but forget it at home — are going to have to pay the price.
Historically, the fine for parking in a designated handicapped space has been $75, but few violators ended up paying.
More often than not, police Chief Edward Garone told the Town Council, the violator would come into the station, waving their placard and the ticket would be voided.
"This happens 50 to 75 times a year, on the same day or the next day," he said.
That's about to change.
Councilors approved a change in the parking code which will mean a $10 fine for failing to display a handicapped placard when parking in a designated space.
Garone said the change was fair. The goal is to keep people in compliance with parking rules, he said.
"Other towns have the same problems," he said.
Garone said he hopes the change will encourage residents to remember to put their handicapped placard in full view when parking around town.
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