The Barnwell Police Department has launched its enforcement campaign of handicap parking violators.

There are numerous handicap parking zones throughout the city. These parking zones are there to make life easier for those who are handicapped, said Barnwell Police Chief Todd Gantt.

Some of these designated zones are located on public streets and some on private parking lots, he said.

Many of these handicap parking zones are being illegally used by non-handicapped people with an indifference to the plight of the handicapped, Gantt said.

"Officers will be on the lookout for the blatant disregard for our handicapped citizens and visitors," Gantt said.

Anyone found guilty of illegally parking in a handicap zone will have to pay a fine of up to $200 or 30 days in jail. Failure to pay this ticket will result in the violator's driver's license being suspended. This is from the state law statutes. Fines can also be issued under ordinance violations inwhich the fines and penalities may differ, he said.

Any vehicle parked in a designated handicap parking zone must meet the following requirements:

• The vehicle must display either an official handicap license plate or an official handicap placard hanging from the vehicle's rear view mirror.

• The vehicle must be transporting someone who is handicapped.

• Able-bodied drivers using a vehicle with a handicapped license plate or placard cannot park in a handicap spot if they are not transporting a handicap person.

Individuals needing a handicapped license plate or placard should contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Proper medical documentation of the handicap will be needed.

Anyone having any questions about this handicap zone enforcement campaign should contact Chief Gantt at the City of Barnwell Police Department on their non-emergency phone number (803) 259-1838.