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Able bodied folk parking in handicapped spaces

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Quote by Cherrytree
Must admit, Shambolic, your post has scared the sh*t out of me.
Do you mean that people shouldn't object to anyone they feel is abusing the disabled space, because it might be you, and you might run them over?

I mean people shouldn't leap to conclusions based on their own prejudice and a very brief time to assess the situation. Who are you, or I, to judge other peoples rights to something as silly as a parking space on a whim? OK, yes, we all do it, but it should be kept in your head, not be turned into a confrontation.
I've seen typical chavmobiles pull into disabled spaces in the middle of the day, when there's only been a couple empty, and thought to myself that is very wrong. And then seen someone obviously physically disabled clamber out the car. I've seen clearly pensionable age drivers spring from their cars and spritely skip into the shops.
Going on face value maybe I should "have a word" with the driver of the first car as they're trying to park, but the evidence is it's the latter example who are taking the piss. And this was the point I was trying to make (you really don't have to take everything so literally - I wouldn't deliberately run anyone over, I hate having to clean my car at the best of times). Would you feel I was abusing a space if you saw me turn up without a badge, looking apparently healthy? Would you have the time to discuss the finer points of looking beyond first impressions when making a judgement? Would you feel the need to point out the injustice of your treatment in the face of your righteous indignation in on that day my stress levels were running high and I told you in no uncertain terms to go forth, because my ability to be civil and rational was being stretched to the nth degree?
It is not my place to inflict some form of verbal or obstructive vigilantism on someone because of a snap decision in a car park, and nor is it any body elses but the authority in control of that car park. I have known far too many people who appear fully able but who genuinely are not for me to agree with that sort of behaviour. After all, we're talking about bloody parking spaces, the sort of thing that is so totally trivial in the grand scheme of things. Yet it does result in people coming to physical harm (no, not at my hands...), and it does add to the misery of the genuinely incapacitated when someone is petty enough to challenge their rights to a particular spot based on the observations of a few seconds.
Quote by Steve

Mod Edit: the removal of a personal insult!

Steve Im shocked at you lol
Quote by Steve
Thats where the caring part of my observation came from ;-)

OK, to be succinct. Does the person challenging the "errant parker" really care about the person they're judging? Do they know anything about the persons medical background, emotional state, reasons for parking so abhorrently? Or do they care about repeating some dogma about the spaces and their intended users?
I knew someone who had about half a lung left, aside from some very serious mental health issues. Until the last 5 months of his life he never had a blue badge, and some days was more capable than someone half his age with twice his respiratory capacity. I'm sure it would have been very caring for someone to stop him parking a few steps closer to the supermarket door...
Quote by Shambolic
After all, we're talking about bloody parking spaces, the sort of thing that is so totally trivial in the grand scheme of things.

It may be trivial to some but not so trivial if you have mobility problems.
Quote by helnheaven
After all, we're talking about bloody parking spaces, the sort of thing that is so totally trivial in the grand scheme of things.

It may be trivial to some but not so trivial if you have mobility problems.
If you have mobility problems, yes, I totally agree. But what about if you don't, and you're just feeling the need to defend the rights of those you believe to have mobility problems against those you don't? Like you said yourself:
How can someone pass judgement on who is and isnt healthy?

You know your health, but do you know the health of that complete stranger you've just seen pull into a disabled space? And is it worth possibly upsetting that person, possibly having them upset you, or even risking physical blows because you think you can judge their health and so confront them?
A parking space is still more trivial than a night in hospital, or worse, because you happen to challenge the wrong person about their chosen place to leave their car, surely?
Devils advocate, disabled people are always going on about being treated like normal people, so maybe they should'nt have disabled spaces?.
If you did get a fine for parking in a disabled space in a supermarket, you don't have to pay it, it's leagally un enforceable.
I think a lot of what you say is right shambolic. However, at some point a stand must be made however trivial it may seem. I for one still think it is worth making a small, though maybe to some, petty stand for keepimg designated Disabled parking bays for people with mobility problems who have blue cards.
I can see no problem if there is an issue of a driver not having a card but using a space to have to justify why they are. I would not advocate making a drama out of the situation, but to make someone aware that there,possible misdemeanour is noticed might make a difference.
Quote by browning
Devils advocate, disabled people are always going on about being treated like normal people, so maybe they should'nt have disabled spaces?.
If you did get a fine for parking in a disabled space in a supermarket, you don't have to pay it, it's leagally un enforceable.

And maybe we should just go back to the good old days where disabled people had no rights and were locked away in institutions rolleyes
Quote by browning
Devils advocate, disabled people are always going on about being treated like normal people, so maybe they should'nt have disabled spaces?.
If you did get a fine for parking in a disabled space in a supermarket, you don't have to pay it, it's leagally un enforceable.

Wow i didn't know about the fine bit Browning worth knowing1
The disabled/normal thing isn't right i'm afraid mate.:sad: People with disabilities want equality or as much as is feasable and possible. Those who need to be treated differently already know tha.t or in the case of some severe mental illness they may not granted. but others want as much equality for them as is practicable. I see how people might see it Browning and i understand why you would say that a lot do . It is different though. :thumbup:
Quote by Shambolic
If you have mobility problems, yes, I totally agree.


And thats all I meant by my comment wink
I think Ive made thoughts known earlier regarding making judgements smile
Shambolic, we'll have to agree to disagree.
I do take your point that someone who does not have a badge may still be medically in need of a space - but then that leaves the whole system open to anyone at all parking there.
I still feel it's right to stand up for other people's rights, on issues that are important to me, whether it directly affects me or not.
Quote by helnheaven
As far as Im aware, only people on DLA High/Middle Rate Mobility qualify to apply for a blue badge. It isnt for a GP to make the decision who can or cannot have a blue badge. Its usually long term disabilities that qualify not those which are likely to improve. Hope you are feeling much better now.
As for your neighbour, I couldnt possibly comment.
I can move freely but what you class as freely and what I class as freely may be 2 different things I also carry shopping and yes it does make me wonder.....It makes me wonder how the hell I manage it!
Sorry but your post and Im sure its not intended that way, makes it sound like people with disabilities shouldnt be allowed out to live some sort of a life.
Its also just occured to me.......
Im hardly likely to get a shag now all n sundry know I have a disability confused Maybe its best if I just start hopping around on the ol crutches and go for the sympathy shag eh :giggle:

I'm fine now thanks, copious amounts of physio did the trick. I don't know how you read from my post that people with disabilities should not live some sort of life, but you obviously did so I'll try again.
I could hardly move yet was not given a badge, for whatever reason. My next door neighbour could probably have run round the block but was given one. If I broke a leg or God forbid my back went again I'd not be given a badge but my mobility would be impaired and therefore it would be handy if I could park closer to the door but would get fined for doing so even though my need may be greater than a spritley pensioner whose doctor gave her a badge because he'd know her all her life and thought he was doing her a favour. It annoys me when people zip into these spaces, hop out of the car, run into the shop and carry bags full of shopping out again, yes they have a badge - yes, on aoccasion they may need it, but why use it when they're capable of walking further on that particular day and could leave the space for someone with greater need?
In most out of town shoppinng areas I have to park out on the street anyway as I can't get my van through the bloody height restriction barriers so the availablity of parking spaces near the door is irrelavent. I may start another post on heightism biggrin
Oh and by the way, as for the last bit, I don't see as you'll have any problem wink
H.x
Quote by Cherrytree
Can I just add, this is a good debate, different points of view -lets keep it friendly so I don't get relegated to Sarge's special club (again lol )

:shock: Cherry I have been trying to get into that club, how do you do it? dunno
Quote by browning
Devils advocate, disabled people are always going on about being treated like normal people, so maybe they should'nt have disabled spaces?.
If you did get a fine for parking in a disabled space in a supermarket, you don't have to pay it, it's leagally un enforceable.

By giving disabled people parking bays is treating them as normal people. These people may have had a carer do their shopping before, when they had to walk a mile from the only available space left in a car park.
I have a friend who is paralysed from the neck down. Time he parks, passes his wheelchair across his body and assembles it, (a fete to be watched and admired I must say) he gets pretty tired, then to hand wheel his wheelchair a mile to a shop, he would be tired before he even started.
He is independent and likes to do things for himself.
Give this people a thought when you next want to park in a disabled space. He could be the car behind you. :thumbup:
All this wouldn’t be possible without the great work form stoke mandeville hospital.
worship :worship:
Quote by Missy
It seems you are laughing slightly as you wrote that missy

Perseptive of you, I did write it slightly tongue in cheek - the vision I have of our Supermarket at 11 o'clock at night did make me smile. But noone else can see it, so it was a bit of an out of place post. If I had've explained the place I'm on about, it would've looked like I was trying to justify it, which is not what I wanted to do. As you've quite rightly said, whatever the place is, it still doesn't make it right to park in the spaces.
Quote by kentswingers777
....sorry but it is wrong,

I know it's wrong ....... but unfortunately at 11 o'clock at night peeing with rain, I can't say I'm gonna drive past the many many empty disabled spaces, to park elsewhere for the few mins I'm in the shop. By the same token, if some of the spaces have already been taken, then I wouldn't park there, I would not risk putting someone out because of my bad parking habits.
Quote by kentswingers777
but nice that you would not take the last space.

I'll correct that, I would not take one of the last 20 spaces.
Quote by kentswingers777
Am sure my disabled Father would appreciate that gesture. :shock:

Your dad lives near me??? How do you know?? :shock:
Once again, please don't pick me up on trying to justify my actions, it's not the intention of my posts. It's purely an admission that I have done it.
All I will say on this is the disabled bays are close enough to the proper " normal " parking bays. Are people really that way inclined that they cannot be bothered to walk an extra few yards? I give up. :shock:
Quote by kentduo
mm bored now, this could go on and on, anyway, if we all agreed about everything, the world would be a dull place!
Live and let live, (just dont park in disabled spaces if your not registered disabled!)

Here here !
Maybe if everyone was more CONSIDERATE, which is the right word to use, my disabled Father and many others would be able to park in the spaces THEY are entitled to park in. How about people taking the extra 20 steps and park in a bay that is for THEM. :shock:
Quote by helnheaven
After all, we're talking about bloody parking spaces, the sort of thing that is so totally trivial in the grand scheme of things.

It may be trivial to some but not so trivial if you have mobility problems.
Agree with that.
The bottom line here is very simple: If you are NOT registered disabled, then you will not have a badge. If you are registered then you will have a badge, and with that badge gives you a LEGAL right to park in a disabled bay. If you dont have that badge then you cannot.
People will always say they need to park closer because of this ailment or that ailment but....if it is that bad then apply for a badge. :shock: If they won't give you one then they deem you do not need one.I feel sorry for people who want to park in a disabled bay so as not to damage their car as the spaces are bigger. :shock: That is really confusing.
it would be nice if we could have car parks with spaces for everyone that suit the size of the bigger vehicles many of us drive, our local asda one night a guy parks next to me without a care in the world opens his door onto mine. Still not bothered when i mention his carelessness...then the car park at tk maxx pc world stafford where parking a pick up truck will always leave you with a fine of 30 pounds as the spaces are NOT big enough... i have to admit i see the mother and toddler and disabled spaces, always empty and numerous and get pissed off that im trying to squeeze the pick up into a space barely big enough for a mini.
before anyone says it the truck is a necessity
staggy
okay... it has been really interesting reading what has been written here....
A few of you know what my job is.... it is a customer care manager for a railway company in regards to organising elderly and disabled assistance.
I have heard some horror stories as to how selfish some people can be......
okay.... my pet peeve with some back story,
only the assisted travel departments of the railway companies can book the wheelchair spaces and companion seats.... obviously we only book it in certain situations, passengers with guide dogs, hospitals for paxs with mjor probs.
it is not an extra space to put luggage,
it is not there because people want extra space to stretch legs....
it is not there for people to leave upright prams in! (which is a health a safety issue.. and if it topples over what then)
i have seen people refuse to give up seats that have been booked for all these reasons... I have gotten into arguements with people i have had the misfortune for be on the trains with.....
it even got to one stage where we made an announcement on a train and told everyone on the train what was happening, why the train was now running late while we scrambled round (managed to put them in the 1st class space... up the other end of the train)
if it get to having to embarrass people to make a point it is not something i like doing... but it is something I have done....
Quote by Shambolic
Would you feel I was abusing a space if you saw me turn up without a badge, looking apparently healthy?

Yes, because it's very simple; if you don't have a permit to park in a disabled space you shouldn't park there.
Quote by Shambolic
Would you have the time to discuss the finer points of looking beyond first impressions when making a judgement? Would you feel the need to point out the injustice of your treatment in the face of your righteous indignation in on that day my stress levels were running high and I told you in no uncertain terms to go forth, because my ability to be civil and rational was being stretched to the nth degree?

From what you say it isn't your parking that is the main issue, it's that you drive at all. For someone who even suggests they would drive into another person, whether or not that is hyperbole, and admits that some days their "ability to be civil and rational was being stretched to the nth degree" to be behind the wheel of a vehicle is just plain wrong.
Quote by flower411
Can I just add, this is a good debate, different points of view -lets keep it friendly so I don't get relegated to Sarge's special club (again lol )

:shock: Cherry I have been trying to get into that club, how do you do it? dunno
It`s easy :lol:
You just haven`t tried hard enough !!
You are a man that knows!
Any good tips then? :lol:
Without going into detail, I see the effects of living with and caring for disability every day, and it does irritate the hell out of me when I see this going on. Most times you can tell there's not going to be a badge on the windscreen just by the type of car (maybe a bit of prejudice against boy-racer cars and my-4x4-is-bigger-than-your-4x4's, but I've seen it so many times).
At times like that I have been tempted to leave a message saying
"Want my parking space - want my disabiity?"
But as I get older and grumpier my thoughts turn more to the simpler (in large bold print slapped across the windscreen for all to see)
"I'm not disabled, just pig ignorant!"
Maybe one day I'll have the courage to do it.
Quote by Burtman
Without going into detail, I see the effects of living with and caring for disability every day, and it does irritate the hell out of me when I see this going on. Most times you can tell there's not going to be a badge on the windscreen just by the type of car (maybe a bit of prejudice against boy-racer cars and my-4x4-is-bigger-than-your-4x4's, but I've seen it so many times).
At times like that I have been tempted to leave a message saying
"Want my parking space - want my disabiity?"
But as I get older and grumpier my thoughts turn more to the simpler (in large bold print slapped across the windscreen for all to see)
"I'm not disabled, just pig ignorant!"
Maybe one day I'll have the courage to do it.

Would they be able to read it though? lol
Quote by Theladyisaminx
Can I just add, this is a good debate, different points of view -lets keep it friendly so I don't get relegated to Sarge's special club (again lol )

:shock: Cherry I have been trying to get into that club, how do you do it? dunno
It`s easy :lol:
You just haven`t tried hard enough !!
You are a man that knows!
Any good tips then? :lol:
innocent :whistling: :whistling:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Quote by Sgt Bilko
Can I just add, this is a good debate, different points of view -lets keep it friendly so I don't get relegated to Sarge's special club (again lol )

:shock: Cherry I have been trying to get into that club, how do you do it? dunno
It`s easy :lol:
You just haven`t tried hard enough !!
You are a man that knows!
Any good tips then? :lol:
innocent :whistling: :whistling:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Blimey you have a reputation going Bilko! :shock: In your club do you chain and whip em too? :lol:
I have to say this but though i don't ever use a disabled space or a parent child space i have to say i disagree totaly with the concept of them to an extent.
Its all about equal rights and the many campaigns by disabled people that they should have equal right with able people and therefore in my opinion disabled spaces to to the other extreme and just make me demand equal rights with them.
and how about this? i have 2 friend with an artificial limb and both perform the same sorts of jobs and me and do thing able people do such as play golf and other sport yes another person with the same thing does not so who defines disability because to me that isnt consistent.
Having said all that there are people who do absolutly need to have these consessions to help them.
Quote by goose35
I have to say this but though i don't ever use a disabled space or a parent child space i have to say i disagree totaly with the concept of them to an extent.
Its all about equal rights and the many campaignsby disabled people that they shoul;d have equal right with able people and therefore in my opinion disabled spces to to the other extreme and just make me demand equal rights with them.
and how about this? i have 2 friend with an artificial limb and both perform the same sorts of jobs and me and do thing able people do such as play golf and other sport yes another person with the same thing does not so who defines disability because to me that isnt consistent.
Having said all that there are people who do absolutly need to have these consessions to help them.

Think you are somewhat contradicting yourself there? :shock:
Quote by kentswingers777
I have to say this but though i don't ever use a disabled space or a parent child space i have to say i disagree totaly with the concept of them to an extent.
Its all about equal rights and the many campaignsby disabled people that they shoul;d have equal right with able people and therefore in my opinion disabled spces to to the other extreme and just make me demand equal rights with them.
and how about this? i have 2 friend with an artificial limb and both perform the same sorts of jobs and me and do thing able people do such as play golf and other sport yes another person with the same thing does not so who defines disability because to me that isnt consistent.
Having said all that there are people who do absolutly need to have these consessions to help them.

Think you are somewhat contradicting yourself there? :shock:
yep i know lol
Proves my point what a minefild it is
Sorry Goose, I have to be a little pedantic and disgree with the equal rights bit.
It's more about equal opportunity than equal rights, and if allowing people with mobility issues to park nearer to services enables them to have the same opportunity to use those facilities, as those without mobility problems, then it's achieving what is was designed for.
I do get grumpy when people who don't need them hog them because it puts us to a hell of a lot more trouble when my walking is very bad.
If my legs aren't too bad then we park normally and don't display the badge.
Jas
XXX