Editor, the Advocate:

As a point of reference, my wife and I are both handicapped. We each have "handicapped" placards. As a result, we need to take advantage of handicapped parking spaces in parking lots and on the street. Both of us would rather be able to park anywhere, but our limited mobility will not accommodate that.

Our experiences in Victoria cause us to review the laws regarding designated handicapped parking spaces.

1. Only automobiles with either a current handicapped parking placard or a state-issued handicapped license plate are permitted to park in spaces designated as "handicapped."

2. Even if there is a current placard or plate, the person to whom the placard or plate has been issued MUST be in the vehicle.

3. The person to whom the placard or plate has been issued MUST be the person exiting the automobile.

So, let's review.

1. If you don't have a current placard or handicapped plate, YOU CAN'T PARK THERE!

2. If the person to whom the placard or plate has been issued is not in the car, YOU CAN'T PARK THERE!

3. If the person to whom the placard or plate has been issued doesn't leave the car, YOU CAN'T PARK THERE!

Handicapped designated parking spaces are for people with actual, medically determined mobility disabilities. Those of us who have permission to use handicapped parking spaces need them to be available.

We don't care if you sprained your ankle, are tired, or "only stopping for a minute." If you don't have permission, DON'T PARK THERE!

If you believe you need a placard, your doctor can give you a prescription for you to take to the county office where you got your license plates and they can issue you either a temporary or permanent placard on the spot. There is no excuse.

Robert James Shand, Victoria