Free Parking

Parking on the Square is often hard to find. You know, a lot of people come to the Square to dine, go to the movie theater, the Opera House, grab a coffee at Starbuck's, pick up a book at Read Between the Lynes, enjoy the concert on Wednesday evening in the Square.

But why is there free parking on the Square in handicap parking spots? The sign clearly reads "Reserved Parking (for handicapped persons) $250 Fine."

A legislator (not from our districts) told me a while back that police officers don't like to write violations like this because they cost a lot of money.

Well, that's just the point! As a matter of fact, if you do this in the Village of Algonquin, it'll cost you $500, not $250.

Police should be vigilant for these violations and immediately ticket the vehicle - the first time they spot it. No such thing as "drive around the block and hope it's gone when you come back." Tag it the first time, and don't stop writing if the driver hurries up and claims that he was "just there for a minute." Make it a Very Expensive Minute.

© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT