[Closed] Why don't disabled drivers pay to park ?

Many disabled drivers get their cars through motability because they are unable to walk very far or may have difficulty accessing public transport...

Not sure about who should pay and not but I'm sure they would trade the blue badge for full health and fitness.

I think what frustrates me most is blue badge parking on double yellows.

If the flow of traffic or pedestrian sight lines are important then protect them. If designated disabled parking is needed, create it.

Maybe they are maybe they're not but given my Dad can't walk more than 1/4 of a mile without it becoming an effort walking to the local shops is out.

The argument, I assume, goes along the lines that they need the car as they can't walk or cycle to wherever they're going, so it shouldn't cost them as much for the "convenience" - same argument used to get them subsidised cars I think

Not so sure now that we're all bastards an' that

I get the whole parking closer to amenities that's a given, even if you get car from mobility doesn't mean you have no money....far from it from the people I know that have had mobility cars

^ or an allowance.

A mate chops and changes between motobility cars and an allowance. I think he would like to not have to do it as well.

Are they poorer than non disabled drivers ?

I expect so yes.

I'm not sure where I stand on this one

😆 what a **** you are

Have a little think as to why they are allowed to park on double yellows for small periods of time....... go on try really hard and let us know if you fathom as to why it might be.

I get the whole parking closer to amenities that's a given

Or, why is it people who are perfectly mobile be allowed to use a car? Surely a car should be used only be disabled people and walking or cycling be used by all those who are able.

Why should money dictate your rights rather than need? If you know someone who is disabled then you'll know how difficult it is for them to get around. Why get upset about them not having to pay for parking? As someone above said, I'm sure they'd rather pay for parking and not have a disability.

Don't know why I'm bothering, you could have googled this yourself.

[url= http://www.poverty.org.uk/40/index.shtml ]some stats[/url]

It's OK though, I'm sure the Tories will notice soon and take it off them.
To be fair, it also varies greatly from place to place and depends greatly on the local authority as to what benefit a blue badge gives you. For example, some authorities will let you park on double yellows, whilst others will not. My local country park charges disabled just as much as everyone else, but then you can park on double yellows outside the park if you like...

From the many people I've met over the years who have mobility cars they come from various backgrounds just like those without mobility cars. However there are those that due to having to rely on claiming disability allowance as they can't or ever have been able to work have very little money.

A blue badge has transformed what we can do with our disabled Daughter.

Being able to park close to things we want and have to do means we can now do things as a family, where in the past this was not possible.

I have no problem paying for parking, it's the access options that we appreciate.

We have never had to park on double yellows either, planning ahead helps as most places have disabled access parking spaces.

Have a little think as to why they are allowed to park on double yellows for small periods of time....... go on try really hard and let us know if you fathom as to why it might be.

As I said in post: if disabled access parking is needed, build it (and in doing so it will be done bearing in mind all the needs of road users /pedestrians/cyclists etc)

Using blue badges as a fudge that take no account if the impact on other users is a sloppy solution.

However there are those that due to having to rely on claiming disability allowance as they can't or ever have been able to work have very little money.

My mate, on benefits for the majority of his life, he's in his early 60s now, managed little bit of work when he was younger, but was warned off it, risk of permanent paralysis does that.

He has always said if the could have had the opportunity to work he would have, but even a desk job would have been impossible.

OP, is this you?

[IMG] [/IMG]

Using blue badges as a fudge that take no account if the impact on other users is a sloppy solution.

Oh bless do these annoying disabled people inconvenience you for a couple of seconds a year.

Oh bless do these annoying disabled people inconvenience you for a couple of seconds a year.

They make the place look untidy.

He has always said if the could have had the opportunity to work he would have, but even a desk job would have been impossible.

Yeah but he's loaded because of all the benefits, probably foreign too and all his family are coming over for free Britain.

Clearly it isnt possible to build parking for a great many buildings in towns and cities due to a space issue.

Some people cannot walk more than a few steps and having parking immediately outside certain buildings (double yellows) is the only way they can use those services.

Not everyone has the benefit of friends and family to rely on in these circumstances.

Why the hell I am explaining this is beyond me, a shitty thread just trying to be shitty.

Maybe it's just a NICE THING TO DO and in a world of self-absorbed, grasping attitudes it should be celebrated.

Oh bless do these annoying disabled people inconvenience you for a couple of seconds a year.

You've got me, bang on there a-a. As ever with your deep understanding of the nuances of the matter. I can hardly wait for your input these days.

Surely it would be better for everyone if there was a visual distinction between the areas on which blue badge parking is appropriate and where (as the site states) it isn't. Say with blue kerb markers.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/blue-badge-scheme-guide-badge-holders#toc-3

I can see why they don't pay, seems appropriate.

I can't understand why they can park on double yellows if the lines are there for safety/access reasons HOWEVER I think most disabled drivers probably don't use that option often as I've never seen a disabled driver use that right - or at least not noticed it causing a problem anywhere.

So it seems to work as far as I can see.

Yeah but he's loaded because of all the benefits, probably foreign too and all his family are coming over for free Britain.

He's is a cockney living in Newcastle, so you are partly right. Otherwise wrong on all accounts.

He does have many sets of longjohns that he wears in winter so that the heating doesn't have to be turned on.

Or have I missed your sarcasm on that?

You probably need to give your sarc-o-meter a tap Quirrel

I have a Blue Badge and the free parking means I don't have to walk to the ticket machine. Every yard counts in the MS game.

I asked as it's been on the news re hospital car parks

Please don't make me out to be the ****on this thread it's a plain simple question meant without malice.

As I've said before, a lot of authorities place heavy restrictions on disabled parking on double yellows, for exactly the reasons you've highlighted, stoner.

Now if only they could stop taxis doing it...

Or have I missed your sarcasm on that?

Some what.

Now if only they could stop taxis doing it...

Or those without blue badges.

You do have to pay in most places, you can park on double yellows but you can't cause an obstruction or block traffic or park on double yellows with a yellow mark on the kerb,
The biggest problem with blue badges is non disabled people using them illegally,

But I know, all those bloody disabled people coming over here stealing our parking and claiming our benefits having never worked a bloody day in their lives,..

Well towards the end of their lives my parents had blue badges.

Being able to park close to something (especially at the hospital) was a real boon and less distance e better when a wheelchair was required. #****cancer.

They really aren't that easy to get/keep. That my mum could walk a 1/4 mile on a good day (definitely not on a bad) was enough for hers to taken away...

WTF apparently fully able bodied people (i.e. No badge) feel it necessary to park in the [i]closest[/i] disabled space is beyond me. Talking about selfish ****s.

Just be glad it's not you. FFYFF

Come to think of it, WTF do car drivers think it's acceptable to park on pavements?

park on pavements

Lots of abuse of blue badges though - not least since they're not restricted to people with mobility issues. Personally I think there is a ban parking on double yellow and tighten up eligibility/review those issued.

My aunt is entitled to a blue badge (but dies r have one). She has Polio as a child and has reduced use of one hand. Drives a normal car and is happy climbing ladders at 75. A friend qualifies for a badge because she is partially deaf.(again doesn't take one )

I see a lot of use by (what appear to be) perfectly able bodied people in London.

Or have I missed your sarcasm on that?

I think I'm going to give this place (or at least the chat forum) a miss for a bit. There are just too many people with such poor people skills they can't pick up on the very simplest nuance. I do wonder how they cope in the real world.

I think I'm going to give this place (or at least the chat forum) a miss for a bit.

Please tell me you're joking?

I don't mind paying to park in a disabled space somewhere that is for pleasure like say the Eden Project as the extra width allows me to get the wife into her wheelchair.
But I get a bit fed up with paying £5.20 for just over 2 hours at a hospital for an appointment that should have taken 20 minutes tops but was dragged out because 1 member of staff didn't show up.

It does vary from hospital to hospital though Chester are quite good as if you take your appointment letter & blue badge to the cash office they give you a free get out of the car park ticket.

I see a lot of use by (what appear to be) perfectly able bodied people in London.

My brother has a severely autistic son, he's perfectly able bodied. And he knows how to use it too! It's like herding cats... The blue badge for him was a real boon, made life just a little bit easier. It's not always the driver that needs the badge....

If the flow of traffic or pedestrian sight lines are important then protect them. If designated disabled parking is needed, create it.

Using blue badges as a fudge that take no account if the impact on other users is a sloppy solution.

I may be the only one that thinks you have a point. If I were disabled I wouldn't much fancy parking on double yellows if it meant it was harder to get in and out of my car because of the traffic or if I returned to my car to find the wing mirror had been smacked again. Proper disability parking provision would be a better answer but is about as likely as proper cycle lane provision

It's not as clear cut as it seems. At least two organisations who exist to promote the rights of disabled people had changed their stance on this - certainly in the last five years, to support charging for disabled spaces.

As I found out when one of my team was delivering a car park project. It was seen to reduce misuse of spaces and badges by those not entitled to use them.

the real world.

?????

Eden Project - we took our daughter there yesterday 😉

Was a good workout pushing her round and no we did not feel the need to use our BB.

'kin'ell... Does assisting those less fortunate than ourselves really need much explanation.

Schemes aren't always perfect in their implementation but at least is shows a willing in the right direction.

I see a lot of use by (what appear to be) perfectly able bodied people in London.

A bit like my Dad who has one and my brother who doesn't as he can't be bothered with judgemental people who can assess people's abilities by the way they appear.

I too have found using one easier - but have been abused for it. When collecting or delivering my mum for hospital stay or appointments, being able to use a disabled badge so I can assist her into or out of the building has made things a lot easier. She has progressive arthritis in her hips, knees, back and shoulders - and getting in and out of a car is hard - let alone a long walk.

I see a lot of use by (what appear to be) perfectly able bodied people in London.

If one of the Autistic people I support in the community were to have a meltdown, being able to get back to the car quickly can be the difference between a minor incident and a trip to A+E.

But yeah, it is very rude of them to have a disability that you can't see. 🙄

I see unfitgeezer's hot topic tomobala is still going strong.

unfitgeezer's hot topic tomobala

I preferred their early stuff.

Please don't make me out to be the ****on this thread it's a plain simple question meant without malice.

Then you are much more stupid than you initially seem.

Stoner, thanks for your insight, you just seem like a stuck up to me but I suppose in your mind you have a point. Not sure what it is though. Maybe that the dusabled shouldnt have a bit of extra help to live their life as fully as possible I'm not sure though. Care to elaborate or tell us about all the times blue badge holders have caused you problems with their parking because I can litterally think of no cases where it has caused me a problem or made me think others have been put at risk.

This thread is a new low. My advice to the people with brains is to leave the idiots to it.

I'll say it a third time...

An increasing number of Local Authorities no longer allow parking on double yellows, those who do, do so with a number of restrictions. Also, disabled people increasingly pay for parking, this is also something which is decided either by the Local Authority or whoever owns the car park.
Some disabled people don't use wheelchairs, doesn't make them less deserving of support.

Seriously, use google, all the facts are there, or do you just want to moan about things that annoy you, whether those things are real or just in your own imagination?

But yeah, it is very rude of them to have a disability that you can't see.

Maybe they could wear some sort of official hat to let others know that they are genuinely disabled?

I'm split.
As someone that can have a badge but choose not to, paying to park is no different to now.
However the larger spaces, better location, etc is a massive plus.
Should we get that for free?
The badge gives access to that added convenience however it doesn't mean it should necessarily be a free meal ticket either.
Hospitals, etc shouldn't be charged for anyone. I have no option when I need to attend yet QA can cost me anything up to £12-16 if it runs over. Usually £5-7.
To attend an appointment to ensure I can continue to walk unaided. Live my life. Not visiting someone there, etc but the actual patient. But no. Robbing barstewards.
Shopping centres, etc where everything is free - again, the badge gives you access to the extra convenience. Should that be free?
Good question.
I think the biggest question is should the price of parking be regulated full stop?
As it stands it isn't and the costs are outrageous in some places.

I think I'm going to give this place (or at least the chat forum) a miss for a bit.

Nice one, it's been a while since we had a good flounce.

Wasnt the OP focusing on the payment aspect?

I preferred their early stuff.

You didn't. Trust me. It's purely ironic.

Wasnt the OP focusing on the payment aspect?

Yeah, and it came across as 'why should someone get something for nothing and I can't?'

For starters, if you're disabled then it might not be possible to rock up to a central point and go all the places you need to go on foot, you might have to make multiple stops thus incurring multiple parking payments.... But, yeah, let's penalise the disabled, it's the conservative way after all, not [i]deserving[/i] enough I guess.

You didn't. Trust me. It's purely ironic.

Like Alanis Morisette?

Like Alanis Morisette?

No, can't stand her.

I personally think the issue with the whole blue badge system is by default it has to be a 'one size fits all' system (as any other approach would be impossible to administer) however there will always be people on the edges who it doesn't really fit.

The lad who sits opposite me at work has a blue badge - not for himself, but due to his wife and 2 kids being partially sighted.
Now, I agree that having duff eyesight doesn't affect your ability to walk a bit further to the shops - indeed his wife/kids are pretty fit.

His wife has a good job, and as a family they are pretty affluent, so paying for parking is not an issue.

However the one interesting point he brought up when we were discussing this before was safety - in as much as trying to cross car parks/busy roads with 3 partially sighted people can be a nightmare - so any opportunity to park closer and reduce this risk is very welcome.

I'm not sure how the system could be changed/improved without some people who use/need it being disadvantaged.
However, I do think if people are caught using it illegally (certainly more than once) the blue badge should be taken away.

I see more and more disabled parking areas where one has to pay now, but that were free previously.

I often drive a severely disabled friend around and he gets a bit miffed at having to pay. Mind you he's probably the tightest tight wad I've ever come across.

I just point out that he's just bought a brand new Brotherhood VW Sharan conversion outright and to put his hand in his pocket and cough up. He does have the good grace to look sheepish.

metalheart - Member

But, yeah, let's penalise the disabled, it's the conservative way after all, not deserving enough I guess.

Have you got proof that Conservative councils charge disabled drivers whilst non-Conservative councils don't?

Personally I am unconvinced that disabled drivers should be excluded from car park charges. It's clear that many disabled drivers are no worse off financially than the average able-bodied person. Those who struggle financially could and should be receiving financial assistance to a level where they can afford parking charges.

There is a paucity of travel options in this country which means for many people the choice is car or stay at home. We really need to see much better access to towns,cities, schools, shopping centres for all so that those who want to and can use bikes, trikes, ebikes, handbikes, mobility scooters and wheelchairs as well as walking can do so. Of course, many people can't, but many could .. if they were enabled by our streets to do so.

Why don't disabled drivers pay to park ?

Natural justice, in my opinion. If you've been dealt a tricky hand you need all the help you can get. It would be great if there were designated spaces everywhere, but there aren't and we're all so obsessed with paying as little tax as possible that there is no way they will be built. So - blue badges and free parking it is. Can't see a better option, and personally seems to me like a good fix to a real problem. Yes is gets abused, but the abuses don't negate the real need and genuine benefit from those who use it properly.

Genuinely amazed that anyone would even question it, but I'm overloaded on the season of goodwill to all so probably out of touch.

I think the biggest question is should the price of parking be regulated full stop?
As it stands it isn't and the costs are outrageous in some places.

Supply and demand. Too high and people won't use it. If the cost is too high people will cycle, use public transport, or go elsewhere.

The unrestricted parking for disabled is actually way cheaper and more efficient than specified bays.imagine the cost and land consumption in providing specified parking within easy reach of every single amenity and location a individual would wish to call at . Simpler safer and cheaper to let them park where they like within the current rules , which do in fact specify they must park safely and without causing an obstruction.

They pay in some places and not in others is my experience. As above getting to and operating a payment machine may not be possible / feasible. I know that some people (usually relations/husband/wife) abuse them a bit eg by parking in a bay when the badge holder is not in the vehicle but on the grander scheme of things to worry about this is way down the list.

Maybe they could wear some sort of official hat to let others know that they are genuinely disabled?

Or perhaps some sort of badge? 😉

Genuinely amazed that anyone would even question it, but I'm overloaded on the season of goodwill to all so probably out of touch.

Have you got proof that Conservative councils charge disabled drivers whilst non-Conservative councils don't?

I take you are aware of what the conservative government has done with respect to the disabled in recent years, yeah? That.

[url= http://blacktrianglecampaign.org/about/ ]what, wear some kind of identification badge, like say, trialled in Germany? [/url]

I asked the question out of curiosity not why can't I park for free as someone has accused me of.

Now come on Mr Geezer. The fact I guessed it was your handiwork from the mobile version of the forum says something 🙂

bearnecessities - Member
Now come on Mr Geezer. The fact I guessed it was your handiwork from the mobile version of the forum says something

Explain? I'm lost on that one

Quite often people with disabilities have no other choice but to park in the middle of town/ right outside a shop. Where as able bodied people can walk / cycle without having to pay for fuel and parking. The allowance and motability car help but do not make up the extra cost of getting around if you want to have any sort of life or work.

Quite often pay meters are at the other end of the car park which can mean you need to walk further to pay than to get to shop you need to visit. Or if they are close they have a curb around them making them impossible for someone in a wheel chair to reach and more difficult / dangerous for someone with walking issues.
Want to get a bus to work as it cheaper than fuel and paying to park? Unlucky if the bus stop is too far away from your house or where you work. Can only drive an automatic? They cost more to buy and are less fuel efficient so you pay more again. So not paying for parking is one small thing to assist someone who is already spending more than most people.

Imagine living in a world where train stations, pubs, shops, houses and even hospitals can be difficult, sometimes impossible to access.

When all things are equal, then lets debate the merits of charging for disabled parking. Until then, maybe lets put a bit more pressure on people to make society a little more equal eh?

Imagine living in a world where train stations, pubs, shops, houses and even hospitals can be difficult, sometimes impossible to access.

When all things are equal, then lets debate the merits of charging for disabled parking. Until then, maybe lets put a bit more pressure on people to make society a little more equal eh?

Count me in.
But then again ive been an able bodied activist for Black Triangle since it became clear the direction the Tory lead coalition was heading in in regards to disability benefits

Why can electric cars park for free at charge points?

Why can electric cars park for free at charge points?

Why did diesel fuel use to be orders of magnitude cheaper than petrol. Same question.
Behavioral nudge theory

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nudge_theory