John Siberry

PERTH AMBOY – Resident John Siberry has been questioning a 2-hour limit on handicapped parking space on Market Street outside of City Hall. Siberry feels that this restriction was personally aimed at him. He said, “I saw a City Employee who is handicapped park there for more than 2 hours. I have the proof!” He asked the Council a series of 4 questions:

1. What is the intent of this ordinance?; 2. If I park in the handicapped spot, as I have a placard, do I get a ticket if I stayed longer than 2 hrs.?; 3. HOw about 39:4-207; How does it impact this law?; 4. Can a handicapped person still get a ticket under this ordinance despite 39:4-207? Is this not municipal legislation for the purpose of harassment in order to prevent political dissent?

39:4-207. Parking overtime by driver of motor vehicle with placard or wheelchair symbol license plates; no penalty – No penalty shall be imposed for the parking overtime of any motor vehicle which has displayed thereon a placard or wheelchair symbol license plates issued pursuant to the provisions of this act under any law or municipal ordinance now in effect or hereafter enacted unless such vehicle shall have been parked in one location for more than 24 hours. This provision shall apply only when the person to whom the placard or special license plate has been issued is either the driver or a passenger of the vehicle.

Siberry said he had been harassed by cops twice on the same day while parking at the handicapped spot.

City Attorney Mark Blunda told Siberry once again why there is a limit on that handicapped space. The limit on that particular spot is to give others who are handicapped a chance to use it if they have to do business at City Hall.