The Calgary Parking Authority is seeking city council approval to raise the current $150 fine to between $300 to $500. (CBC)

Fines for illegally parking in handicap spots in Calgary may be substantially hiked to deter the practice.

The Calgary Parking Authority is seeking city council approval to raise the current $150 fine to between $300 to $500.

"That should bring a strong message to Calgarians, that if they even park in that stall for a few minutes, it's going to come with a high cost," said Dale Fraser, general manager of the authority.

Marilyn Erho, who uses a wheelchair and drives a modified van, said she's heard every excuse from other drivers she finds illegally parking in handicap spots.

"I've run into that many times where people say, 'Oh I'm just going to be a few minutes' or 'I just had to quickly run in.'

"It's through the whole year, people parked in handicapped spots that shouldn't be there," said Erho.

Calgary officials have issued more than 3,500 tickets this year — an increase of 20 per cent over 2008 — to drivers without an authorized pass found parking in spots reserved for the disabled.

Mike Hambly of the Canadian Paraplegic Association is part of a committee that supports tougher penalties.

"I don't think people are getting this is a community issue. This is not a favouritism aspect for persons with disabilities," said Hambly.

If city council approves a higher fine, the new penalty could be in place by January.