The BAD PARKING thread [vol3]
Discussion
yellowjack said:
Okay. You got me there. Hands up, fair cop, etc, etc. I'm registered disabled too (not mobility, thankfully, so no need for a badge) and since I got registered it has opened my eyes to the disreputable behaviour of a significant number of 'disabled' drivers.
Examples? Repeatedly seeing blue-badge bays all full up, while a solo (wheelchair user) badge holder cruises the car park or waits forlornly for someone to vacate a space so they've got room to get a wheelchair out. Typically (in my non-scientific) sample, as many as 20% of those parked in disabled spots will have a disabled passenger who remains in the car whilst their able-bodied partner SPRINTS into a shop (or three).
Seriously now. It doesn't matter how "entitled" the passenger is to that badge, using it to selfishly take up a space that would be better used by someone actually getting out of their car is as much an abuse of those spaces as a non badge-holder doing the same.
Just as it is with every other demographically defined group, there are selfish nasty b
ds within the disabled community. Just the same way that pensioners are not always flowery grannies and grandpas, and can be deliberately offensive and obstructive. Believe me, I've shared the disabled access platforms at enough Reading Festivals to know that a good 50% of attendees thereon are some of the most obnoxious, self important aholes you could (n)ever wish to meet.
Oh, and when I said "challenged"? I don't mean aggressively. I didn't throw down a gauntlet, or 'offer him out'. I simply suggested that it might be safer for him, and for everyone else, if he parked further up the road.
While I agree with your sentiments completely your post, and others like it, are often misinterpreted by people who apply little thought and who are then encouraged to challenge others publically. It fuels a general dislike towards disabled people.Examples? Repeatedly seeing blue-badge bays all full up, while a solo (wheelchair user) badge holder cruises the car park or waits forlornly for someone to vacate a space so they've got room to get a wheelchair out. Typically (in my non-scientific) sample, as many as 20% of those parked in disabled spots will have a disabled passenger who remains in the car whilst their able-bodied partner SPRINTS into a shop (or three).
Seriously now. It doesn't matter how "entitled" the passenger is to that badge, using it to selfishly take up a space that would be better used by someone actually getting out of their car is as much an abuse of those spaces as a non badge-holder doing the same.
Just as it is with every other demographically defined group, there are selfish nasty b
ds within the disabled community. Just the same way that pensioners are not always flowery grannies and grandpas, and can be deliberately offensive and obstructive. Believe me, I've shared the disabled access platforms at enough Reading Festivals to know that a good 50% of attendees thereon are some of the most obnoxious, self important aholes you could (n)ever wish to meet.Oh, and when I said "challenged"? I don't mean aggressively. I didn't throw down a gauntlet, or 'offer him out'. I simply suggested that it might be safer for him, and for everyone else, if he parked further up the road.
If I pull up at some services with my wife I always ask "are you getting out?" If the answer is "maybe, not sure if I need the loo yet" then we use the disabled bay. I then get a coffee for us and if she later decides not to go in then am I a knob? The intent for getting out was there so I would say not. If you were sat watching you would get worked up about it. Similarly, if I am picking her up and park in a disabled bay or on double yellows and walk off to get her a casual observer would think "knob". We don't need to encourage people to think negatively about the disabled, they already assume that people like my wife get everything for free from the Govt and get all Daily Mail about it.
It seriously blows peoples minds when they find out she works, pays tax, has a daughter etc. Like a "normal" person.
Please, feel free to be agitated about flagrant badge/space abuse but stop and think a little if there is any possible doubt!
Janesy B said:
Vipers said:
Not really.
Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking. You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead.
Often used when illegally parked which they were.
I was being sarcastic Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking. You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead.
Often used when illegally parked which they were.
Fastdruid said:
Hoofy said:
Composite Guru said:
Osinjak said:
I'm more interested to know what the note says!
I stuck this on it. I have a batch in the car. My missus hates me doing it. Some people deserve to be ridiculed in public. 
Tortoise!
standards said:
Fastdruid said:
Hoofy said:
Composite Guru said:
Osinjak said:
I'm more interested to know what the note says!
I stuck this on it. I have a batch in the car. My missus hates me doing it. Some people deserve to be ridiculed in public. Tortoise!
AMG Merc said:
AMG Merc said:
Considerate and perfectly aligned! 
Above was a few weeks ago...So I was back in there today and look...
What is it about these two spaces that little car owners feel the need to spread out for?!
Thermobaric said:
You see it quite a bit in Germany. Spaces labeled for women right by the entrances of car parks for safety reasons. I can understand it but bloody annoying when you're hunting for a space and drive past a bunch reserved for women.
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