Handicap Parking Awareness Campaign

6/28/2012 (Updated 10:59:41 PM)

Issuing 300 tickets a year, Broome County Officials are trying to prevent people from misusing handicap parking spaces.

The county has launched a handicap parking awareness campaign.

Over the next six weeks you will hear public service announcements on local radio and television.

Deputies will also be keeping an eye out for people who misuse handicap permits and plates.

"On a day-to-day basis the deputies are out patrolling the streets and every day we're concerned with this issue. And now we're going to be paying more attention to it and working with the County Executive to make it a top priority," said Fred Akshar, of the Broome County Sheriff's Office.

First offenders face county fines of $50-$75.

Second fines range from $75 to $150.

Those are  in addition to fines that the state imposes.