Seated from left to right are Eric West, Mack Marsh (parking mobility), Chelsea Ashby, Angel Arredondo (2018 Ms. Wheelchair Texas), and Gilbert Garcia. Back row, from left are Charlotte Lund (SMPD volunteer coordinator), Colin Edwards, Police Chief Chase Stapp, City Council member Melissa Derrick, Joe Kowalczyk, Patti Barrett, Louis Moreno and Mayor Jane Hughson. Photo by Don Anders/Anders Photography
First Parking Mobility volunteers ready for duty
The first class of Parking Mobility volunteers were recently sworn in at the San Marcos Police Department.
Under the program, trained volunteers report vehicles illegally parked in handicap accessible parking spaces using the Parking Mobility App. The reports will be reviewed by the San Marcos Police Department, and a citation will be issued to the owner of the vehicle if it is determined that an offense has been committed.
People receiving a citation will have three options:
- Pay the fine ($500 for a first offense)
- Request a hearing if they feel they are not guilty
- Take an online course to learn about the laws governing accessible parking, why those spaces are important and the contributions people who need those spaces make to the community
The goal of the program is to solve accessible parking abuse through education rather than enforcement alone by providing an easy, discreet, and non-confrontational way to address parking accessibility issues in the community.
Parking Mobility is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community education and enforcement program designed to efficiently address accessible parking abuse in the community.
