In two months in Sassari, 230 fines were issued to those who parked in disabled parking spaces without authorization.
The data on local police checks were presented this morning at Palazzo Ducale by Mayor Giuseppe Mascia and the commander of the Local Police, Gianni Serra.
"It's intolerable," states the mayor, "that this type of behavior still exists." Unfortunately, this behavior is widespread and was observed by the two investigating officers, Giovanni Manai and Marco Barsi, as they traveled in plainclothes around the city, verifying what was being accessed in the 1,300 designated parking spaces of the municipality. "They saw it all," Serra remarks, "from people leaving their cars in reserved parking spaces to buy beer at the supermarket, 'because it was on sale,' to taxi drivers who parked 'for a moment' to go get cigarettes at the tobacconist, to women ' who leave notes saying they're at the hairdresser.'"
<p>Press conference at the Doge's Palace </p> Emanuele FlorisThe case history is extensive and a symptom of a general lack of respect, as demonstrated by the 194 fines issued in total for prohibiting stopping and parking in spaces reserved for disabled people, while 36 fines were issued for those who, despite having the authorization, did not respect the conditions and limits indicated on the permit itself.
"Some, for example," the commander continues, "photocopy the permit and display it without the disabled person being with them."
The city administration has zero tolerance for these behaviors, including those who park on pedestrian crossings. 398 fines have been issued so far, while 610 are for parking on sidewalks. The fine for violations is significant, ranging from €330 to €990, plus four points deducted from the driver's license, for example, for those without a permit.
"More controls are often called for," the mayor concludes, "but the issue is also about educating others." Meanwhile, the local police have announced increased patrols along the coast with the arrival of summer.