Requires access aisles of handicapped parking spaces to be marked with a sign and diagonal stripes

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requiring access aisles of handicapped parking spaces to be marked with "No Parking Anytime" signs

Purpose

To prevent people from parking in the access aisles of handicapped parking spaces by further identifying access aisles with signs that are distinctly different from the signs that are currently required to be posted to identify handicapped accessible parking spaces.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill amends paragraph (b) of subdivision 2 of section 1203-c of the vehicle and traffic law, as amended by chapter 350 of the laws of 1993.

Justification

Currently, many drivers, both disabled and able-bodied, use the access aisles that lie adjacent to handicapped accessible parking spaces as additional parking spaces. Often times these access aisles have no signage designating them as a no parking zone, and when disabled drivers who have properly parked in a handicapped parking space return to their vehicles, they find that they cannot get into their vehicle because someone has blocked the entrance by parking in the access aisle.

Adding signage that clearly identifies the access aisles will deter drivers who do not realize what these spaces are reserved for. In addition, it will provide for an enforcement mechanism for those who choose to park in the newly designated "No Parking Anytime" zones.

We need to ensure that people with disabilities who need to utilize the access aisles are not left unable to get into their vehicles because someone has carelessly parked in the area reserved for entering and exiting a car or van.

This bill is intended to reaffirm and place in state statute the current requirements for signage of access aisles listed under the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. It is important to protect the signage obligation in state law because building code requirements change periodically. The requirements for this signage mirror those existing for handicapped parking spaces under the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.

Prior legislative history

A.9694 (2000) - Referred to Transportation A.4626 (2001-02) - Passed Assembly A.5471 (2003-04) - Passed Assembly A.7338 (2005-06) - Passed Assembly A.7110 (2007-08) - Passed Assembly

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become law.