Lt. Gary Clayton with the Detective Division of the Rome Police Department said they want to help everyone who goes shopping for that perfect gift to be aware of the inconveniences and dangers that could occur.
He said a recent increase in parking violations at shopping centers around town has heralded the time of the year when officers will be stepping up their patrol in parking lots.
“We’ll be more aggressive about issuing citations for parking in handicap spots and fire lanes during the holidays,” Clayton said.
Clayton said there is a $100 fine for parking in a handicap spot without a handicap placard or tag and a $50 fine for parking in a fire lane.
“You cannot be parked or sitting idle in fire lanes,” Clayton said. “Even if your car is running, you’re still parked.”
Several citations were issued by Rome police officers during the Thanksgiving weekend for vehicles parked in handicap spots, some of which did not have their placards displayed.
“People need to be aware that if they park in a handicap zone that need to have their placard displayed on the rearview mirror or have a handicap tag,” Clayton said.
Police also want to people to be aware of where they put packages, shopping bags and valuables in cars when they leave to go in stores.
They advise that things such as purses, computers and electronics be placed in the trunk of a car or out of sight so as not to entice would-be thieves.
Click to see National Crime Prevention Council holiday shopping safety tips.
It always seems that stupidity was given a huge head start in its race against intelligence.
(shaking head at the education system in America)
Shouldn't they ALWAYS be aggressive in citing folks who park illegally in handicap and fire lanes?