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To the Editor:

I went to visit my parents in Bathurst over the Easter holidays and was appalled as to how some people seem to think that handicap parking spaces are or their convenience.

My father has a disability and cannot walk but for a short distance. When I was visiting, Dad and I went to a local store. When it came time to park the car, no handicap parking spots were available. Why? Because people were parking wherever they felt was okay for them – in the handicap parking spots.

I observed with disgust several healthy people walk to and from their cars acting as though those spots were meant for them. When people park vehicles in those parking spots, they are to display a valid parking permit. No such permits were visible to me.

The parking spots for the disabled are clearly marked. A sign is posted and a symbol is painted on the parking spot. It was apparent to me that many people do not understand signs and symbols.

To the "lady" in the white van: Where was your parking permit? Did you forget it? No, you parked there so you could wait for a family member to come out the store with a bag of groceries.

To the "gentleman" in the blue Chevrolet: where was your permit? Oops! Lost it! But you jogged into the store as bold as brass while I watched.

Here in Moncton, I have yet to see this kind of behavior happen. When you go to a mall or other store, the parking areas for the disabled have vehicles all displaying handicap permits. Otherwise, the spots are empty, awaiting the next disabled person to arrive.

Next time I go to Bathurst and see a vehicle parking in a handicap parking space without displaying a valid permit, I shall be taking pictures of the vehicle's licence plate to show the police. Perhaps a fine or two or 20 will discourage people from abusing the privileges of the elderly and the handicapped.

Robert Bernard

Moncton