Able bodied folk parking in handicapped spaces

30 Apr 2008

I'm (unusually)on the fence on this one,as a reformed driver I do find it particularly irksome when drivers abuse rules and regulations (parking in inappropriate places is a pet hate).However I also know someone who though not deemed disabled enough for a blue badge does have difficulty walking any distance.
My solution....All drivers upon passing their test are issued with a parking clamp (registered and identifiable as theirs )which they can use at their own clamped then must justify their actions ..if they can't, they're fined .. if they can,the owner of the clamp is regulation

30 Apr 2008

Quote by Jas-Tim
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.

Exactly jas!!!
I have to say that goose i think your statement about equal rights is bullshit! (sorry hun kiss

)
Providing disabled spaces gives that equality.
Think about it- it's not the physical/mental issues that would give someone with a disability unequal opportunity, it's the inability to access services due to the environment.
Think about someone in a wheelchair going to use a cash machine.
If the cash machine is located at a suitable height, no problem.
If it is too high, then that person is unable to access that facility.
It tends to be the environment not the person that is the issue.
The person that said, someone with a bad back parking in a disabled spot shouldn't be able to then walk around a mall (FB think it was you )
Also bullshit- having spaces near to a shop allows people to access the shop which they might not be able to do if they had to walk far to get there.
Someone might be able to push themselves to walk around a shop for the necessities, so long as they are not restricted by then having to walk a distance on top of that to their car.
People who park in a disabled space, no matter what the time, how many spaces are free, what the weather, what they are carrying etc etc etc are just lazy ungreatful b!"$%£%$^Y%^ in my opinion!
Oo the hardship of walking a few extra yards in a bit of rain, compared to someone having to perhaps live with a physical or mental disability for life, there is just no comparison and no excuse.
harumph!!!!
m xx

30 Apr 2008

Edited, cos I don't want to detract from the thread confused

30 Apr 2008

I have a friend who has a severe disability, who cannot visit me. I can visit him ok. Its the access to where I live. Far to many steps to get him and out of my flat now he and I are older (we used to be able to do it but its a hard slog now on both of us).
For shopping, without those spaces available, he couldnt go out. Bad enough he cant visit his able bodied friends but take away his access to shops and then having to rely on others. What has he got left of his independance???
Its the environment we live in thats disabling that limits where he can go, what he can do and whom he can visit. Until all newly laid pavements, shop entrances, offices etc etc are built in a fashion that enables everyone to access that equally, it will always be an unequal world for those who have some form of disability.

30 Apr 2008

I get so annoyed at totally inconsiderate drivers, im sure in some car parks near me it is an illegal offence to park in a disabled spot without displaying a badge.

Kentduo wrote: We do however, willingly park in parent and child spaces, I dont care what anyone says, parent with children DO NOT need to park outside the door,and you dont need them to be a little wider! my parents never had to, and id imagine that is true of everyones parents on here too, its just another marketing trick by companies to get the 'parent pound'parents are getting softer , and kids are getting fatter and fatter, maybe to battle obeasity the parent and child spaces should be at the back of the car park!
Ps for anyone who feels guilt about parking in P&C spaces, take the opertunity to take your parents shopping, noone said there was an age limit!

Whilst I agree that parents do not need to park right outside the supermarket, I do feel that the extra space in the parent and child spaces are a godsend. The people who complain about the p&c spaces are usually the ones ranting and raving about having dings in the the doors of their cars!! Oh and my children are not fat.

Kentduo wrote: yes i do belive you need to open the door wider to get your kids out, likewise i need to get the door open wider to get my shopping in the car as we have a two door couple with no boot, so should i get a wider space also?
Just because you CHOSE to have kids, doesnt mean you get special rights.

obviously you don`t have children... I do and I expect NO special rights from anyone however im all up for anything to make my life easier whether it be in a work or home situation as im sure most people are, wider car parking spaces make my life easier just wish there were more of them and not just for P&C.

30 Apr 2008

Quote by mazandden
The person that said, someone with a bad back parking in a disabled spot shouldn't be able to then walk around a mall (FB think it was you )
Also bullshit- having spaces near to a shop allows people to access the shop which they might not be able to do if they had to walk far to get there.
Someone might be able to push themselves to walk around a shop for the necessities, so long as they are not restricted by then having to walk a distance on top of that to their car.

Ah but Maz, I was referring to people who say they have a bad back so can't walk any further - not those with blue badges. I agree with you, if they are indeed disabled. It's the tossers who try to justify pinching the disabled spots, that I meant.

30 Apr 2008

Quote by Jas-Tim
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

:thumbup: absolutely!
I've kind of kept out of this up til now but basically someone said earlier

Devils advocate, disabled people are always going on about being treated like normal people, so maybe they should'nt have disabled spaces?.

No, they don't want to be like normal people they want to do the things that normal people do.
And what's normal by the way? are people with a disability not normal like?
Check out 'Wolfensburger 1968 - Normalisation'.. makes to see a different slant on things wink

30 Apr 2008

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 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.

So, if I interpret this right, disabled people are already equal by dint of them being human and getting to use disabled spaces is extra that you maybe want the benefit of as well.
On the same logic, artificial limbs do not allow an amputee to behave as close to a fully-limbed person as possible, they are an extra benefit that you would like to benefit from?
Yes, I know that's daft, but it's applying the logic I gleaned from your post. Not being accusing here - just working through the logic.
My feeling about these 'extras' is that they are to allow less-able people to behave (in the important areas of life) as much like more able people as possible. And this should apply to mental/emotional problems too - but we all know they are only just beginning to be properly recognised let alone being helped.

1 May 2008

ooh Foxy i dont do Logic lol

Im just saying from the angle when i see a disabled person in a space and there looks not that much wrong with them, thats when i think how can they have a priveled space thats when i disagree with the concept of it.

1 May 2008

i live in a town where your in the minority if you havent got a disabled badge.
these badges are often abused and misused by people who dont deserve them.
you can walk around your own towns/cities and see people on sticks /crutches who could win the 100meters sprint on a wet day, and those with two sticks tucked under their arms whilst carrying several heavy shopping bags whilst hurrying back to their disabled cars parked in disabled bays-well!
i know several people who are classed as disabled because they have bad backs-i see these same people down the gym, doing their gardens and playing snooker in the local con club, again-well!
also have you seen these same people in airports?
special treatment getting on and off the plane, then whilst in the resort you see them trotting up and down the promenade, in the pool and winning the dancing competiition-well!,
if there was a way to identify people with genuine disabilities and give them the benefits and support structure they deserve -brill, but until then the system will be abused>!
by the way, i work with profoundly disabled wheelchair bound people every day, i see and know what true disibility looks like-well! wink

1 May 2008

Quote by steve-j
i live in a town where your in the minority if you havent got a disabled badge.
these badges are often abused and misused by people who dont deserve them.
you can walk around your own towns/cities and see people on sticks /crutches who could win the 100meters sprint on a wet day, and those with two sticks tucked under their arms whilst carrying several heavy shopping bags whilst hurrying back to their disabled cars parked in disabled bays-well!
i know several people who are classed as disabled because they have bad backs-i see these same people down the gym, doing their gardens and playing snooker in the local con club, again-well!
also have you seen these same people in airports?
special treatment getting on and off the plane, then whilst in the resort you see them trotting up and down the promenade, in the pool and winning the dancing competiition-well!,
if there was a way to identify people with genuine disabilities and give them the benefits and support structure they deserve -brill, but until then the system will be abused>!
by the way, i work with profoundly disabled wheelchair bound people every day, i see and know what true disibility looks like-well!

It is not for you or I to judge on whether people should have them or not, regardless of whether they dont look like they need a badge. The local authorities make that decision based on many factors.
If you feel strongly enough about someones right to have one, and you feel they should not have a badge, then jot down their car registration number and report them to the local authorities with what you have seen. Only that way can those people have their badge taken away if the authorities deem they are not entitled to one.

1 May 2008

One wee thing to add, (although it has kind of been mentioned before) is that there are so many diseases/illnesess that can vary so dramatically throughout the day.
Someone with MS or ME/CFS for example, may be feeling not to bad when they first get going, but really rely on that space incase they become fatigued or have muscle pain or decreased balance etc, things that might result after a short journey around the shops, then again, they might feel fine on the way back, how are they to predict?
Someone might have COPD and only be able to walk short distances without a rest, you might see them walking fine for the time you watch them.
Just like someone with the panic attacks mentioned earlier, who knows when an attack is going to happen, but having the peace of mind that a spcae is to hand and won;t make a journey even more effortful is the thing that makes the difference to be able to go about a semi 'normal' life (again, hate using the word 'normal'!
People should definately never be chastised for parking in a space when they have a badge, even if you think they don't deserve it.
that said, the number of people that are playing the system is unreal and that's what makes it unfair for the people who have genuine variable conditions.
m xx

1 May 2008

i base my comments on my observations and knowledge unlike some people on this topic.!
i KNOW people who swing the lead to claim benefits and perks and who do not want to work, these same people have two drinking sessions a day, seven days a week play bingo and gamble.!
They openly boast about what they claim for,and some have been known to fill in claim forms for others so that they can get maximum benefits.
i have a disabled son, who does not claim amything but works in a disabled factory, he and all my family work for their money.
as for chopping claimants, thats a job for the authorities and not i.!
so before people comment on my post, i can assure you i am qualified to observe, and have knowledge of genuine disibilities., have you? wink

1 May 2008

i base my comments on my observations and knowledge unlike some people on this topic.!
i KNOW people who swing the lead to claim benefits and perks and who do not want to work, these same people have two drinking sessions a day, seven days a week play bingo and gamble.!
They openly boast about what they claim for,and some have been known to fill in claim forms for others so that they can get maximum benefits.
i have a disabled son, who does not claim amything but works in a disabled factory, he and all my family work for their money.
as for chopping claimants, thats a job for the authorities and not i.!
so before people comment on my post, i can assure you i am qualified to observe, and have knowledge of genuine disibilities., have you? wink

1 May 2008

Each local authority issues Blue Badges however, they do not have identical criteria. The basics may be the same but then they add their own.
Yes, it's very true in some places it seems Blue Badges are handed out to anyone. Whilst in others a severelly handicapped person is unable to get one.
As already mentioned there are many invisible illness which warrant the person's entitlement to a Blue Badge.
For a considerable time authorities have been aware of the misuse of the Blue Badge scheme.
It's a well known fact especially in London that these badges can be purchased on the blackmarket.
What the hope is that eventually there will be a national criteria for obtaining a Blue Badge.
In the last couple of years have been involved within the Adult,Health and Wellbeing department locally. Along with various organisations reprsenting disabled groups.
Hence I do have a good understanding of the Blue Badge Scheme.
As with anything you do get those that abuse and manipulate the system to their own ends.
:smile2:

1 May 2008

Quote by steve-j
i base my comments on my observations and knowledge unlike some people on this topic.!
i KNOW people who swing the lead to claim benefits and perks and who do not want to work, these same people have two drinking sessions a day, seven days a week play bingo and gamble.!
They openly boast about what they claim for,and some have been known to fill in claim forms for others so that they can get maximum benefits.
i have a disabled son, who does not claim amything but works in a disabled factory, he and all my family work for their money.
as for chopping claimants, thats a job for the authorities and not i.!
so before people comment on my post, i can assure you i am qualified to observe, and have knowledge of genuine disibilities., have you?

I have actually as my Father who is 76 has a badge as he can hardly walk, so feel I am a bit qualified to talk on this subject.
As for it being the authorities responsibility to find people out that is true but...if you know of people who are scamming the system then you can " chop " them in total confidence. If you know of people then you have at least a moral obligation to shop them,and they would deserve it. lol

1 May 2008

Quote by steve-j
i base my comments on my observations and knowledge unlike some people on this topic.!
i KNOW people who swing the lead to claim benefits and perks and who do not want to work, these same people have two drinking sessions a day, seven days a week play bingo and gamble.!
They openly boast about what they claim for,and some have been known to fill in claim forms for others so that they can get maximum benefits.
i have a disabled son, who does not claim amything but works in a disabled factory, he and all my family work for their money.
as for chopping claimants, thats a job for the authorities and not i.!
so before people comment on my post, i can assure you i am qualified to observe, and have knowledge of genuine disibilities., have you?

What you were doing though, is tarring everyone who appears to you as able bodied with the same brush as the people you have encountered who are abusing the system.
Unless you are qualified to give every one of them a full physical examination - which I doubt- then you're no more qualified than the rest of us to judge wether or not they deserve their blue badge.

1 May 2008

Quote by steve-j
i base my comments on my observations and knowledge unlike some people on this topic.!
i KNOW people who swing the lead to claim benefits and perks and who do not want to work, these same people have two drinking sessions a day, seven days a week play bingo and gamble.!
They openly boast about what they claim for,and some have been known to fill in claim forms for others so that they can get maximum benefits.
i have a disabled son, who does not claim amything but works in a disabled factory, he and all my family work for their money.
as for chopping claimants, thats a job for the authorities and not i.!
so before people comment on my post, i can assure you i am qualified to observe, and have knowledge of genuine disibilities., have you?

I know the subject matter inside and what I do know is that anyone with knowledge on the matter wouldn't use the phrase "disabled factory".. what's one of those then? dunno

Maybe I'm being pedantic but anyone who has any association in health & social care will know all about 'labelling' - i would've thought you especially would have known this.
I guess your son works in a factory that employs people with disabilities or have specific needs? again splitting hairs, but you say you're an expert? smile

1 May 2008

Quote by steve-j
i base my comments on my observations and knowledge unlike some people on this topic.!
i KNOW people who swing the lead to claim benefits and perks and who do not want to work, these same people have two drinking sessions a day, seven days a week play bingo and gamble.!
They openly boast about what they claim for,and some have been known to fill in claim forms for others so that they can get maximum benefits.
i have a disabled son, who does not claim amything but works in a disabled factory, he and all my family work for their money.
as for chopping claimants, thats a job for the authorities and not i.!
so before people comment on my post, i can assure you i am qualified to observe, and have knowledge of genuine disibilities., have you?

talking of being qualified, my job entails that I have to know the DDA and the compliance issues with regards to the trains, the stations and the staff....is that qualified enough for me to be able to comment?
looks can be very... very deceptive... I know people on this site who have various disabilities, on there good days there is no way on earth you'd be able to tell....
good for your son that he does what he does... but if he is entitled to a benefit or assistance then why are you not claiming? any train passenger that comes thru to us, one of the things we always ask people is do you have a disabled persons railcard, and encourage people to get one if they dont...
just like i would tell any single person earning under 13K, you are entitled to it... go out and get it.....every little bit helps...

1 May 2008

Any company or organisation over a certain size is supposed have a percentage of 'disabled' workers.
Disability is spit into several areas.. Physical and Sensory, Learning Disabilities also those in the Mental Health classification.
No one likes being labelled either by ability, creed, colour or ethenicity.
At the end of the day we are all human beings.
:smile:

1 May 2008

I've been thinking about this since posting my admission that if I need to pop in a shop for a few mins late at night, I'll use one of the many disabled bays.
For this admission, I've been slated, and fair enough, if it was praise I was after, I would've kept my mouth shut lol

I've given the examples when I'll do it, and still slated......... I've even said that in the same circumstances I probably would do it again.
Now this is what I've been battling with - why would I do it again if it's so outrageously wrong to some people. I'm not a malicious person, I know in myself I would never do anything to hinder a disabled persons ability to get out and about. Why has my mind not been changed. I'm open to being in the wrong and changing my opinions, and I admitted it's not the correct thing to do.
In my opinion, its a classic case of PC gone mad confused

I am not permitted to use good ol fashioned common sense, the law is the law, the rules are the rules and that's that end of. Whatever point of view I put across, it's still wrong, and I can (and will) be slated for my train of thought on this.
It's night, it's peeing with rain, there are loads of disabled parking spaces - and they certainly are not even gonna get quarter used up during the couple of mins in there. I don't go in the nearest few, just in case someone does come along, I opt for one further away............ but that's not allowed in a PC situation. Doesn't matter that these spaces are not going to be used, the rules are the rules and I'm taking up a space that someone disabled ain't gonna be using for a couple of minutes. Common sense is not allowed these days.
Another example of this around here, is the new arrival of raised kerbs - to make them level with a bus, so disabled people can get on and off with ease. Brilliant!! It's an excellent idea which should've been done yonks ago. A simple solution that works well.
Trouble is, they've obviously said that ALL bus stops have to have this raised kerb, and they've gone and done ALL bus stops.
The ridiculous thing is, once again common sense hasn't been used - all means all and not most. So you now travel to the middle of nowhere, I have no idea how a disabled person would get there to get on a bus as it's so far from anywhere, or why a disabled person would want to get off there. It's on a main road with no pavements, so pretty dangerous for pedestrians. They've stuck these bluddy raised kerbs there :shock: :shock: :shock:
Even more stupid - they only said do the kerbs, that's all they done, that was the 'rule' and common sense isn't allowed.......... How the bluddy ell any disabled person, with mobility problems that require a raised kerb, can not only get up on the grass verge, but then get themselves along the grass verge and onto the raised bit of kerb is beyond me dunno

It's bluddy ridiculous, it ain't gonna happen, it's impossible......... but it's not PC to maybe just do kerbs that are useful, it's PC to do them all.

1 May 2008

missy i see this as a quite simple problem and solution to your battling... first off it drives me nuts just like you when i go to asda or tescos late at night,, fifty cars on a car park big enough to fit a couple of thousand and all of them taking up the nearer to the doors spaces leaving those very attractive and empty disabled spaces. not one of the ten occupied...i could take one of those...but then so could all the rest of the fifty drivers on the car park, the fact that i will make little difference is irrelevent . i would make one hell of a difference if i set an example to all the other driver that night.. basicly if everyone had YOUR attitude it would be so shit for the disabled guy that turns up to get a last minute item in the rain with a bad heart and now fifty yards to walk to the door...
you make little difference on your own, but you set a standard , its the what if everyone else took advantage like you are doing, what makes you special and all that jazz that goes along with your actions..truth is nothing makes you special so do as the rest of us do and leave the spaces well alone for those that need them.
staggy

1 May 2008

When I go shopping I park as far away from the madness that is near to the shop. Its just a few more yards and way out there in the farthest end of the car park, its very peaceful.
I have time to think about what I am about the go through. More often than not a hellish experience of consumer greed, intolerance, being rushed etc....
I don't mind who gets to do this first or with any added advantage. Supermarket shopping if invariably shite.
But talking about diasbled advantages. If I am desperate for the toilet, I will use their bogs. Nice and spacious, with extra levers and handles, which keep me occupied.

1 May 2008

Quote by wild rose and the stag
missy i see this as a quite simple problem and solution to your battling... first off it drives me nuts just like you when i go to asda or tescos late at night,, fifty cars on a car park big enough to fit a couple of thousand and all of them taking up the nearer to the doors spaces leaving those very attractive and empty disabled spaces. not one of the ten occupied...i could take one of those...but then so could all the rest of the fifty drivers on the car park, the fact that i will make little difference is irrelevent . i would make one hell of a difference if i set an example to all the other driver that night.. basicly if everyone had YOUR attitude it would be so shit for the disabled guy that turns up to get a last minute item in the rain with a bad heart and now fifty yards to walk to the door...
you make little difference on your own, but you set a standard , its the what if everyone else took advantage like you are doing, what makes you special and all that jazz that goes along with your actions..truth is nothing makes you special so do as the rest of us do and leave the spaces well alone for those that need them.
staggy

Spot on Staggy, well said. This is one of my pet hates and I would throw the book at anyone using disabled or parent/toddler spaces when they are not entitled to do so.

1 May 2008

Quote by Missy
I've been thinking about this since posting my admission that if I need to pop in a shop for a few mins late at night, I'll use one of the many disabled bays.
For this admission, I've been slated, and fair enough, if it was praise I was after, I would've kept my mouth shut
I've given the examples when I'll do it, and still slated......... I've even said that in the same circumstances I probably would do it again.
Now this is what I've been battling with - why would I do it again if it's so outrageously wrong to some people. I'm not a malicious person, I know in myself I would never do anything to hinder a disabled persons ability to get out and about. Why has my mind not been changed. I'm open to being in the wrong and changing my opinions, and I admitted it's not the correct thing to do.
In my opinion, its a classic case of PC gone mad I am not permitted to use good ol fashioned common sense, the law is the law, the rules are the rules and that's that end of. Whatever point of view I put across, it's still wrong, and I can (and will) be slated for my train of thought on this.
It's night, it's peeing with rain, there are loads of disabled parking spaces - and they certainly are not even gonna get quarter used up during the couple of mins in there. I don't go in the nearest few, just in case someone does come along, I opt for one further away............ but that's not allowed in a PC situation. Doesn't matter that these spaces are not going to be used, the rules are the rules and I'm taking up a space that someone disabled ain't gonna be using for a couple of minutes. Common sense is not allowed these days.
Another example of this around here, is the new arrival of raised kerbs - to make them level with a bus, so disabled people can get on and off with ease. Brilliant!! It's an excellent idea which should've been done yonks ago. A simple solution that works well.
Trouble is, they've obviously said that ALL bus stops have to have this raised kerb, and they've gone and done ALL bus stops.
The ridiculous thing is, once again common sense hasn't been used - all means all and not most. So you now travel to the middle of nowhere, I have no idea how a disabled person would get there to get on a bus as it's so far from anywhere, or why a disabled person would want to get off there. It's on a main road with no pavements, so pretty dangerous for pedestrians. They've stuck these bluddy raised kerbs there :shock: :shock: :shock:
Even more stupid - they only said do the kerbs, that's all they done, that was the 'rule' and common sense isn't allowed.......... How the bluddy ell any disabled person, with mobility problems that require a raised kerb, can not only get up on the grass verge, but then get themselves along the grass verge and onto the raised bit of kerb is beyond me
It's bluddy ridiculous, it ain't gonna happen, it's impossible......... but it's not PC to maybe just do kerbs that are useful, it's PC to do them all.

Missy a question: IF there was a law that said parking in a disabled bay carried a £100 fine if caught, and you knew the supermarket employed people to issue the ticket would you still park in one?
I do not think people would take the chance because the only thing people might do is maybe say something, they have nothing to lose. On the street where there are disabled bays people would not park in them for fear of a fine, by mr parking attendant. I do not know of anyone who would park in a local car park without a badge, as mr traffic warden would have a fine on their windscreen quicker than anyone could say " I was only in there for 5 mins ". It is no hardship for someone without a badge to walk a few extra yards and park in a proper bay...thats all I am saying. cool

1 May 2008

Quote by Unc

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.
Ah, so it's not about a persons actual capabilities on a given day, it's about their abilities to obtain a certificate of general inability?
I'm so glad arbitrary methods are used rather than some silly notion of assessing a situation on its own merit.

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.

So you've never driven when stressed about something then? Be it making a deadline, rushing to a hospital, having personal issues that are resting on your mind. No, I'm sure you, and every other good decent honest road user take a personal assessment of serenity before getting behind the wheel, no matter the need for the journey. And having reached this motoring nirvana your tranquility would not be in the least bit altered by some stranger making a judgment and enforcing it upon you.
The bottom line to me is not whether disabled spaces exist or not, or whether they are a crass commercial ploy, but that it is not the right of the bystander to make medical assessments on the fly and go on to enforce them. I would never advocate the persuading of these people to change their behaviour through use of a ton of metal, nor would I do so myself (though I would advocate a level of both imagination and comprehension in the writing of a persuasive piece, from both the writer and the reader...), but I most certainly would and it appears am currently suggest that those who do wish to stick to preconceived notions of abilities and rights leave those thoughts in their heads instead of being yet another do gooding moral guardian.
It seems to me common sense is being ever more eradicated in favour of merely having to recant a mantra handed out on a platter.

1 May 2008

No I would not park in a disabled space. I just could'nt do it.

1 May 2008

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.
Ah, so it's not about a persons actual capabilities on a given day, it's about their abilities to obtain a certificate of general inability?
I'm so glad arbitrary methods are used rather than some silly notion of assessing a situation on its own merit.

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.

So you've never driven when stressed about something then? Be it making a deadline, rushing to a hospital, having personal issues that are resting on your mind. No, I'm sure you, and every other good decent honest road user take a personal assessment of serenity before getting behind the wheel, no matter the need for the journey. And having reached this motoring nirvana your tranquility would not be in the least bit altered by some stranger making a judgment and enforcing it upon you.
The bottom line to me is not whether disabled spaces exist or not, or whether they are a crass commercial ploy, but that it is not the right of the bystander to make medical assessments on the fly and go on to enforce them. I would never advocate the persuading of these people to change their behaviour through use of a ton of metal, nor would I do so myself (though I would advocate a level of both imagination and comprehension in the writing of a persuasive piece, from both the writer and the reader...), but I most certainly would and it appears am currently suggest that those who do wish to stick to preconceived notions of abilities and rights leave those thoughts in their heads instead of being yet another do gooding moral guardian.
It seems to me common sense is being ever more eradicated in favour of merely having to recant a mantra handed out on a platter.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm let me guess...........your not disabled? right? confused

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1 May 2008

Quote by Missy
I've been thinking about this since posting my admission that if I need to pop in a shop for a few mins late at night, I'll use one of the many disabled bays.
For this admission, I've been slated, and fair enough, if it was praise I was after, I would've kept my mouth shut
I've given the examples when I'll do it, and still slated......... I've even said that in the same circumstances I probably would do it again.
Now this is what I've been battling with - why would I do it again if it's so outrageously wrong to some people. I'm not a malicious person, I know in myself I would never do anything to hinder a disabled persons ability to get out and about. Why has my mind not been changed. I'm open to being in the wrong and changing my opinions, and I admitted it's not the correct thing to do.
In my opinion, its a classic case of PC gone mad I am not permitted to use good ol fashioned common sense, the law is the law, the rules are the rules and that's that end of. Whatever point of view I put across, it's still wrong, and I can (and will) be slated for my train of thought on this.
It's night, it's peeing with rain, there are loads of disabled parking spaces - and they certainly are not even gonna get quarter used up during the couple of mins in there. I don't go in the nearest few, just in case someone does come along, I opt for one further away............ but that's not allowed in a PC situation. Doesn't matter that these spaces are not going to be used, the rules are the rules and I'm taking up a space that someone disabled ain't gonna be using for a couple of minutes. Common sense is not allowed these days.
Another example of this around here, is the new arrival of raised kerbs - to make them level with a bus, so disabled people can get on and off with ease. Brilliant!! It's an excellent idea which should've been done yonks ago. A simple solution that works well.
Trouble is, they've obviously said that ALL bus stops have to have this raised kerb, and they've gone and done ALL bus stops.
The ridiculous thing is, once again common sense hasn't been used - all means all and not most. So you now travel to the middle of nowhere, I have no idea how a disabled person would get there to get on a bus as it's so far from anywhere, or why a disabled person would want to get off there. It's on a main road with no pavements, so pretty dangerous for pedestrians. They've stuck these bluddy raised kerbs there :shock: :shock: :shock:
Even more stupid - they only said do the kerbs, that's all they done, that was the 'rule' and common sense isn't allowed.......... How the bluddy ell any disabled person, with mobility problems that require a raised kerb, can not only get up on the grass verge, but then get themselves along the grass verge and onto the raised bit of kerb is beyond me
It's bluddy ridiculous, it ain't gonna happen, it's impossible......... but it's not PC to maybe just do kerbs that are useful, it's PC to do them all.

:thumbup: I agree. I don't park in disabled parking spaces but there do seem to be too many and I begrudge driving past so many empty spaces (Do disabled people really avoid the times when I shop? :dunno: - I doubt it). Also I don't nip down to Tescos late at night in the pissing rain. In such circumstances I might be tempted if they're all empty spaces. It's a judgement that reasonable people make in those circumstances.
There are people who will grossly abuse the situation and park in disabled spaces regardless of the time and demand for spaces. Is it the disproportionate number of disabled spaces that gives them the feeling they have the right do so?
:dunno:
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1 May 2008

Quote by wild rose and the stag
missy i see this as a quite simple problem and solution to your battling... first off it drives me nuts just like you when i go to asda or tescos late at night,, fifty cars on a car park big enough to fit a couple of thousand and all of them taking up the nearer to the doors spaces leaving those very attractive and empty disabled spaces. not one of the ten occupied...i could take one of those...but then so could all the rest of the fifty drivers on the car park, the fact that i will make little difference is irrelevent . i would make one hell of a difference if i set an example to all the other driver that night.. basicly if everyone had YOUR attitude it would be so shit for the disabled guy that turns up to get a last minute item in the rain with a bad heart and now fifty yards to walk to the door...
you make little difference on your own, but you set a standard , its the what if everyone else took advantage like you are doing, what makes you special and all that jazz that goes along with your actions..truth is nothing makes you special so do as the rest of us do and leave the spaces well alone for those that need them.
staggy

As I said before, I've never taken up a space that even might've been used by a disabled person at the time. I don't consider myself special, if someone else had said spot, then I would probably be in the space they would otherwise of used. I wouldn't contemplate using one of the disabled spaces during peek time, or even slightly off peek time, no matter how many spaces are there or how little time I'm shopping, because there is still that just in case factor, which is a line I wouldn't step over.
It's also not something I actively seek out every time I have to go to the shop at night, but it is something I've done, knowing I wasn't putting out any disabled drivers, and not beaten myself up about it.

Quote by kentswingers777
Missy a question: IF there was a law that said parking in a disabled bay carried a £100 fine if caught, and you knew the supermarket employed people to issue the ticket would you still park in one?
I do not think people would take the chance because the only thing people might do is maybe say something, they have nothing to lose. On the street where there are disabled bays people would not park in them for fear of a fine, by mr parking attendant. I do not know of anyone who would park in a local car park without a badge, as mr traffic warden would have a fine on their windscreen quicker than anyone could say " I was only in there for 5 mins ". It is no hardship for someone without a badge to walk a few extra yards and park in a proper bay...thats all I am saying.

ooooh good question Kent777. If there was a £100 fine, then no I probably wouldn't do it confused

But that's bringing in a 3rd equation to it. I wouldn't do it because I might get caught - the just in case factor is too high. As I said up there, if there's been even a slight just in case factor that some spaces are going to get used up during the few mins I'm away from the car, then I would not park there anyway.
Digging myself into a right ol hole here - I've done it, I've said I've done it, many/most don't agree, even I haven't said it's the right thing to do, it's just something I have done, and given the same circumstances, can't say I would never do it again.