The idea pioneered in Camden County is spreading across New Jersey.
Last year, the county unveiled reserved parking spaces for Purple Heart recipients in county lots. Now, those same recipients will be exempt from municipal parking meter fees throughout the state.
Freeholder Bill Moen, liaison to the Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs, highlighted the importance of honoring veterans who served the country.
“Anything we can do to thank those who served the United States, whether it’s big or small, is something we ought to be doing,” Moen said. “We’re glad to see that this initiative has taken off and is spreading across the state, because it shows our veterans that their sacrifices haven’t gone unnoticed. The signs we installed last year are still there to honor our veterans, and Purple Heart recipients can still utilize those spaces.”
Moen was notified earlier this month that Purple Heart recipients and disabled veterans are also now eligible to receive a parking placard from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, which exempts them from municipal parking fees. The placards will be subject to recertification every three years.
“Placards are available free of charge and can be obtained either in person or by mail,” Moen said. “Eligible veterans will just need to provide proof of disabled veteran or Purple Heart recipient status in order to receive their placard.”
The new placard cannot be used for parking in spaces designated for Persons with a Disability (PWAD). If eligible, a holder of a disabled veteran or Purple Heart placard can also obtain a Person with a Disability (PWAD) placard. The disabled veteran or Purple Heart recipient may only use the placard when that individual is a driver or passenger in the vehicle.
