VOLUNTEERS MAKE CITY MORE ACCESSIBLE
Parking Enforcement Volunteers Responsible for 23 Percent of More Than 9,800 Citations Issued to Violators of Disabled Parking in 2005

February 7, 2006 -- The City of Houston today announced that during 2005, citizens working as volunteer parking enforcement officers were responsible for 2,255 disabled parking violation citations - 23 percent of the more than 9,800 citations issued. Since 1995, the City has empowered its own citizens to issue parking citations when they witness abuse of disabled parking spaces in their neighborhoods or anywhere within City limits. Because of continued success, training for new volunteers is scheduled later this month.

Volunteers make the city more accessible because they know the ins-and-outs of their own neighborhoods and are familiar with the locations abuse occurs of disabled spaces, according to Liliana Rambo, assistant director for the City of Houston Department of Parking Management.

"The volunteers provide a wake-up call for those who think it’s OK to park there for ‘just a minute’," Rambo said.

As part of Mayor Bill White’s Volunteer Initiatives Program (VIP), the Parking Management division will hold additional volunteer training on Wed., Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 611 Walker, for those citizens interested in getting involved in protecting their communities and helping fight disabled parking abuse.

Al Risien, a former math and physics high school teacher and north Houston resident, saw a parking enforcement volunteer working in his local grocery store parking lot. Being disabled himself, Risien decided he, too, wanted to be part of a program that would not only benefit him but others in his community as well. After attending a training session in January 2005, Risien now calls the program a win-win situation.

“I’m not a caped crusader, but I do enforce disabled parking regulations in my neighborhood and where I shop,” Risien said. “I truly enjoy what I do and I know I’m making a difference for those in need.”

Those interested in joining the program may request an electronic application by e-mailing volunteer@cityofhouston.net or by calling 713.853.8245 to receive one by fax or mail.

Parking Management is a division of the City of Houston General Services Department. By servicing and maintaining almost 6,000 on-street parking spaces and numerous garages across the Greater Houston area, Parking Management creates sound regulations for all commercial and residential areas enhancing pedestrian safety, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic and allowing emergency vehicles to reach their destinations. Parking Management also encourages parking awareness while supporting public transit initiatives.

For more information about Parking Management, please call 713.837.0311 or visit www.houstonparking.org.