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On 26 August an interview I had with BBC Radio Four was broadcast (unfortunately I didn't get to hear it as I was in Holland). The lady that interviewed me is on holiday at the moment, but once she returns I'll get a copy of the tape and see if I can link into it on the site. I received several e-mails from people who had heard the broadcast and I've copied their comments below with their permission. The comments here are purely to show the strength of feeling behind the disabled parking bay abuse issue. They are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the site administrator. If you would like your comments put here, please e-mail me using the link below
"Hello – I think I heard you on the radio yesterday. Although I am not disabled, I am so infuriated by people who park in disabled bays, especially in my local Marks and Spencer. I have spoken to the manager there, and he says if he challenges people, they swear at him, so “there is nothing he can do”. I love the idea of your stickers, and would willingly plant them on the cars of all the abusers I see. Can I buy some from you? Could you sell them on your website, with any profits maybe going to charity?? I think if everyone rose up and behaved as you do, the culprits would have to stop their selfish and lazy behaviour. Good for you and keep it up." Best wishes (name withheld)
"Hi At Safeway in St Albans my wife once caught a lady in her soft top sports car in a parent and child bay, When she was driving off my wife enquired if the baby was in the boot (no other sign of one) and got the inevitable unprintable reply. I was waiting for my wife (our 4th child is just a few months old) in same slot next to disabled spaces. I was taking a disappointing amount of drivers to task for their inappropriate parking. One was going to be a minute but left his girlfriend marooned in the car -for at lest 20 minutes - I was herranging her every few minutes and eventually put five or six shopping trolley at the rear of the car. I'm sure they won't stop there again. Then a big executive saloon swung in, I pointed out to the driver it wasn't general parking (no sign of disability or children) he was just rude, I stood close to the door, intimidating as I could be, he jumped out and was bigger than me, but I look him in the eye and said it was disgusting, he asked if I worked for Safeway and if not to call the police and strode off. I guessed the police would do nowt but was incensed - and hope he was when he came back to find his front tyre was flat (goodness it takes forever to let the air out - and he could've just popped in for cash or a paper..!)" (name withheld)
Dear Nicolette, Heard you on Radio 4 today. I don't use disabled parking bays but it drives me crazy when I'm looking for a parking place and I see the rows of people parked in the spaces reserved for those who need them. The other one that annoys me is when people who are alone and hale and hearty bound out of a car with a seemingly legitimate sticker on it. Fantastic job you're doing! Well done. How can I get some stickers? I don't mind paying!! I hope Keisha is doing well, Best wishes Paul Adams (Name supplied)
The Government seeks to concentrate its efforts on the small
number of people who abuse the Blue Badge scheme, rather than the large numbers
of able bodied people that abuse disabled parking bays causing emotional
distress to disabled drivers and their passengers. Certain issues, such as parking and accessibility require a higher profile. The inability to park in spaces specifically reserved for disabled passengers/drivers causes much frustration and anxiety. I'd like to hear your stories of how Disabled Parking Bay abuse has affected you. Have you taken any action against an individual? Had heated arguments? Or have you just given up the fight? I know I have many stories so I'm sure you have too, tell us about them in the Guestbook.
I have lost count of the number of arguments I have had with non disabled badge holders parking in a disabled bay. Some common excuses are:
In 2004, part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will come into force and many places will be obligated to monitor their disabled parking bays and will have to pay compensation if an able bodied driver uses a space that causes you inconvenience and stress.
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