RNC getting tough on blue zone violators around the province
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary cracked down on blue zone violators Wednesday in recognition of International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
RNC Insp. Paul Woodruff told the St. John's Morning Show officers would be getting tough in shopping centre parking lots — and also outside schools and businesses on the northeast Avalon, around Corner Brook and Labrador West.
Woodruff said if a person with a disability has the proper permit displayed in their vehicle window, they are allowed to use identified blue zone parking spaces.
If a person with a disability needs that parking spot and they see someone in it — it's not accessible, not available for them.- RNC Insp. Paul Woodruff
For everyone else, it's off limits.
"We would encourage anybody not to even just pull in there for a few minutes. We often see a lot of people who just stop and [say], 'Oh, I'm just here for a few minutes,' is the story that they will give the police," said Woodruff.
"However, it's not possible, they're not allowed to do that, they can't pull into these zones … even just for a couple of minutes to wait for somebody. If a person with a disability needs that parking spot and they see someone in it — it's not accessible, not available for them."
Enforcement not just in mall parking lots
Woodruff said Wednesday's initiative is a day-long blitz, as a reminder to Christmas shoppers to respect blue zone spaces in mall parking lots. However, he said that's not where it ends.
"Fire lanes too. It's a safety aspect, and our traffic patrol officers will be out today, as they are every day, but special enforcement [will be] given to it today," he said.
"And with businesses, to keep the blue zones clear … make sure they're properly clear of snow and ice, and also [that] the curb cuts and the doorways are accessible to people."
Earlier this year, the RNC handed out 688 tickets over a three-week period in the St. John's area, as part of a crackdown on those drivers who abuse blue zones.
"We did it last spring for about three weeks. Eight officers doing blue zone enforcement and fire lanes as well. And we had tremendous public feedback," said Woodruff.
"We need to make sure everyone enjoys the Christmas season."