Requires certain parking lots to have minimum two percent of total spaces designated for individuals with children.
This bill aims to improve accessibility for families with young children by providing designated parking that is closer and more convenient for parents who are accompanied by children. By requiring all relevant parking lot owners to adhere to this regulation, the state legislature recognizes the unique needs of families in public spaces and aims to create a more family-friendly environment in commercial areas. The law reinforces the importance of public spaces accommodating families, which could encourage more visits to local shopping centers and grocery stores.
Assembly Bill A5357, introduced in the New Jersey legislature, mandates that certain parking lots, specifically those of shopping centers and grocery stores with more than 100 off-street parking spaces, must designate a minimum of two percent of their total parking spaces for use by individuals with children under the age of 12. The designated spaces must be located in areas of the parking lot that are easily accessible to the establishments, ensuring convenience for families. These designated spots will be identified by specific signage developed by the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission.
Notably, the implementation of this bill will require cooperation from parking lot owners as they must not only designate the spaces but also ensure compliance with the regulations, including the enforcement of restrictions against non-compliance. The potential for concern arises over how strictly these parking spaces will be monitored and whether the designated areas are adequately enforced. There may also be discussions regarding the impact on parking availability versus the need for family accommodations, leading to a broader conversation about priorities in public space design.