We applaud Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell and Natchez Police Chief Daniel White for addressing complaints about motorists illegally parking in handicapped parking spots.

The practice has long been an infuriating one for us and many other residents as well.

Grennell apparently shares that feeling. After a resident snapped a photograph of a City of Natchez vehicle illegally parked in a handicapped parking spot at the Natchez post office, Grennell handled the matter swiftly.

He suspended the employee for 20 days without pay.

That may seem harsh to some, but we believe it will take such serious penalties to curtail the problem.

The thinking of violators seems to be: I’ll only park here for a few minutes so what’s the harm.

The harm is that in the minute or two in which the spot is blocked a person who legitimately needs closer access to a building may have driven past multiple times.

Grennell says he has met with city police personnel who have vowed to more rigorously enforce illegal parking in public parking spots designated for handicapped use.

Unfortunately, Grennell and the police cannot tackle the matter alone. They need your help. If you see someone who you suspect is parking illegally, do not confront them, but simply take a photo of the vehicle, showing its location and the vehicle’s license plate and send it to the police.

With some effort and cooperation, our community can train those who flagrantly park illegally to follow the law, or pay the price.