Parking illiegally in a disabled spot can result in a $250 fine. (Photo: City of Whitehorse)The City of Whitehorse will start issuing fines Wednesday to motorists who illegally park in disabled parking spots, including on privately-owned parking lots and shopping malls.

Rick Goodfellow, chair of the city's Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee, said he hopes the $250 fine will serve as a deterrent to those who park in those spots without a permit. "We've had unbelievable issues at the Qwanlin Mall and that's been going on for years and years," said Goodfellow. "Superstore is another one that's just awful."

He said disabled drivers sometimes have deep snow to contend with and the reserved spots near a doorway are a much-needed convenience. "It's one thing to be close to the door and of course when you get a lot of snow on the ground like we do here that's a big deal, but as well for people who have side lifts, side ramps on their vehicles, they need to make sure that you have enough room to get back into it."

City officials have issued 20 warning tickets to motorists in advance of the new Sept. 1 law. Whitehorse city manager Dennis Shewfelt said signs have been prominently displayed, warning anyone without a permit that there are new fines in place.

"We'll see how it works, I think this is probably going to be effective but we'll have to wait and see what happens."