Editor:
I just want to comment on the article in the SMDP about the disabled placard abuses ("Cops crack down on disabled parking fakes," March 27, page 1). I am an older, long-time resident of Santa Monica who was issued a disabled placard several years ago for a chronic spinal condition. Since then I have observed an almost exponential increase in the number of disabled placards. I even began to wonder if there was some sort of disabled epidemic in Santa Monica.
It is now common to see a healthy appearing person put up a disabled placard, hop out of their car and walk briskly away. This is a problem especially at food markets and shopping areas. I have also seen placards on delivery and construction trucks.
A valid disabled placard is a valuable asset for those truly in need and it allows them to continue to contribute to the community. Those who use the placard illegally should be ashamed of themselves. I commend the Traffic Control officers in their mission to address this public service issue.
Don Wagner
Santa Monica
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 2, 2013. Read the original PDF.