Annapolis (November 6, 2007) - Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold announced today that the enforcement statistics of disabled parking violations demonstrate that the increased $500 fine for violators is effective in deterring illegal parking. "I am pleased to see that this initiative to crack down on disabled parking violators has produced impressive results in the first four months, said County Executive Leopold. "The Administration’s message that disabled parking abuse will not be tolerated has apparently been heard loudly and clearly by county residents." Operation Access, the 7-month county police program aimed at increasing awareness and enforcement of illegal parking in disabled spaces, reported a total of 613 disabled parking citations since the program’s inception in June 2007. Prior to Operation Access’ implementation, from January 1 to June 4, 2007 about 246 citations were issued for illegal parking in disabled spaces. In 2006 a total of 176 disabled parking citations were issued. | 
