Reserved Parking for Handicapped

“Shifting Into Reverse” (March 5) raises disturbing questions about reserved parking for the disabled. The handicapped placard, which may have seemed like a good idea, has created a privileged class exempt from most parking laws. The law invites everything from misuse to counterfeiting.

An arguable 1% to 2% of the public is genuinely disabled, yet far more somehow get the placards. All someone has to do is have a doctor sign the application. The DMV considers almost anything a “disability.” There is no cross-checking, periodic review, or “sunset” clause. Placards are even sold at swap meets. I personally know people who have one only because they know a doctor.

Under state accessibility standards, up to 20% of on-site parking must be reserved for the disabled. The number rises disproportionately to the point where there is literally a sea of handicapped spaces for facilities with larger parking lots. We have all seen full parking lots and empty handicapped spaces, some of which are never used. These are a set-aside no one else can use even if no other parking is available.

State lawmakers conferred special privileges on a select few. No one should be surprised by misuse of the placards.

RICHARD DEIGHT

Buena Park