CHICAGO (AP) – Police issued 60 citations in the first weekend of a crackdown on people who park illegally in disability spaces and they’re not done yet.

Secretary of State Jesse White said in a statement Monday the enforcement effort will continue throughout the holiday season at shopping malls statewide.

White said the goal of the crackdown is to ensure disability spaces are available for people who need them.

Among the malls patrolled last weekend were Water Tower Place in Chicago, Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg and shopping centers in Rockford, Springfield, Carbondale, Champaign and Peoria.

Anyone caught illegally using a placard or disability license plates could be fined up to $500.

This is the seventh year of the holiday parking enforcement program. Last year, Secretary of State police issued 187 citations.

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