Tatiana Swanson, the town’s ADA liaison, told the Needham Commission on Disabilities at its January meeting that the fine for illegally parking in a handicap space was raised to $200 by a change approved at the October 2023 special town meeting.

Swanson said the change means printed tickets and the town’s ticketing systems need to be updated to reflect the new amount so that enforced penalties align with the adopted bylaw. "The fine now is $200 since October 2023," Swanson said, and the commission should be aware so ticketing systems and signage can be updated.

Officer Kelly Scopiniti, the police liaison to the commission, said the town’s electronic ticket machines already show the $200 amount, but the officers’ hand-written orange ticket books — used when officers write tickets manually — have not yet been replaced. "It could be a $200 ticket. It could be a $100 ticket until we get our new books," Scopiniti said, adding that the department will adjust procedures when supplies are updated.

Commissioners discussed whether additional public messaging is appropriate so drivers understand the increased penalty. Several members suggested working with the town communications office and with the police social media accounts to publicize the change. Swanson and Scopiniti said Lieutenant Kramer (named in discussion) has, in practice, sometimes voided first-time tickets as an educational response.

Commissioners asked staff to confirm whether signage or other public notices can legally display the penalty and to coordinate any outreach through the town communications office.