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Disabled Parking - Should they pay?
Somner
Posts: 9,412 Forum Member
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I know that disabled parking provision has been bought up time and time again here and is a very provacative topic.
The large shopping centre in the neighbouring town has now introduced parking charges for disabled customers in all of it's four multi storey car parks. That's £1.20 for up to 2 hours, £2.00 for up to 4, etc.. Hardly a huge amount.
Good on them I say. I see no reason why they should not pay to park, like everybody else has to. I'd be happy for them to only have to pay a reduced amount, due to the fact that the charges are time based and it does generally take disabled people longer to get around than it would for somebody without a disability, however. Those with disabilities arguable cost the car park provider more than those without, the cost is which is then passed on via the parking charges. As well as using the usual facilities of the car park, they will make more use of the elevators, ramps have had to be installed to comply with the DDA, the shop mobility service is heavily subsidised, and they so far haven't been paying a penny!
Obviously there are many blue badge holders who aren't too happy with this, but fail to come up with any good reason why they shouldn't pay.
I regularly use all four of these multi storey car parks and feel that there are far too many disabled spots. The one I use the most has 84 disabled spots over 7 storeys, and yet I have never in my entire life seen any more than about 12 of these spots in use, yet find myself driving up and down for ages trying to find myself a spot!
Last Christmas Eve I had to take my girlfriend up to collect something. Four of these spots were being used, whilst the rest of the car park was absolutely heaving, I ended up parking in one of these 80 unused spots, but had to wait in the car in case a car park official came along. I understand that many disabled people may steer clear of shopping on Christmas Eve because the place would likely be busy, but as I said before, it is extremely rare to see more than 20% of these spots in use!
I have and will never be against disabled parking bays, but I feel that there are far too many and that having them provided free (at the expense of everybody else) makes no sense whatsoever.
Why should disabled parking be free?
The large shopping centre in the neighbouring town has now introduced parking charges for disabled customers in all of it's four multi storey car parks. That's £1.20 for up to 2 hours, £2.00 for up to 4, etc.. Hardly a huge amount.
Good on them I say. I see no reason why they should not pay to park, like everybody else has to. I'd be happy for them to only have to pay a reduced amount, due to the fact that the charges are time based and it does generally take disabled people longer to get around than it would for somebody without a disability, however. Those with disabilities arguable cost the car park provider more than those without, the cost is which is then passed on via the parking charges. As well as using the usual facilities of the car park, they will make more use of the elevators, ramps have had to be installed to comply with the DDA, the shop mobility service is heavily subsidised, and they so far haven't been paying a penny!
Obviously there are many blue badge holders who aren't too happy with this, but fail to come up with any good reason why they shouldn't pay.
I regularly use all four of these multi storey car parks and feel that there are far too many disabled spots. The one I use the most has 84 disabled spots over 7 storeys, and yet I have never in my entire life seen any more than about 12 of these spots in use, yet find myself driving up and down for ages trying to find myself a spot!
Last Christmas Eve I had to take my girlfriend up to collect something. Four of these spots were being used, whilst the rest of the car park was absolutely heaving, I ended up parking in one of these 80 unused spots, but had to wait in the car in case a car park official came along. I understand that many disabled people may steer clear of shopping on Christmas Eve because the place would likely be busy, but as I said before, it is extremely rare to see more than 20% of these spots in use!
I have and will never be against disabled parking bays, but I feel that there are far too many and that having them provided free (at the expense of everybody else) makes no sense whatsoever.
Why should disabled parking be free?
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Each car park is accessed from level 4 (the level on which the shops are) via large lobby areas (so no space issues) each with 4 ticket machines. Two of the car parks also have alternative accesses on level 4, both very quiet, with elevators and have a single ticket machine. It's "pay on foot" so you pay on your way back to the car.
Last year, she paid £50 for an annual car parking season ticket for nearby attraction. This is now no longer required - free parking with the blue badge. I can't see why it should be free, though.
Even if they are free. :mad:
However, I fail to see why I am able to cross the Severn Bridge for free because I have a Blue Badge (Normal cost £5.40!) It's not like anyone walks over it!
I have used it on those occasions that I have gone over the bridge though... waste not, want not
None of which goes to the private company who own these car parks. I don't imagine they'd be too happy
I don't follow your reasoning here. I am reliant on public transport to get to work, but that doesn't mean I should travel for free.
Who are you referring to?
What, for believing that disabled people should be given the same considerations as everyone else?
It's not the same. Some disabled people can't use public transport.
I don't mind them getting it a bit cheaper. I'm just thankful I'm not disabled and don't need allowances to be made for me.
Why should they pay? Simply because it's another thing we can moan about?
Many disabled people don't want allowances made for them either - they wanted to be treated like any other person and any allowances that are made are purely there so they can be just like any other person.
I don't know - are they?
No, for believing some people (able bodied or able in mind) are more equal than others.
They don't have to accept the allowances! Just because some don't want them, doesn't mean all disabled people should lose out.
I am sure many people want to be millionaires but there are great limitations and hurdles in the way - the same way, as much as somebody who is disabled wishes to be treated on equal grounds they do realise that this means, ramps, help in an able bodied society, using lifts rather than stairs - numerous things because the limitation and hurdles is insurmountable.
No, and thats the problem - there are so many disabilities out there but they all tend to be treated the same by society
My ex was born with Spina Bifida. Her whole life has been a struggle against the odds and her car is her lifeline. Do I think society should make concessions for people like her ? You bet.
Do you imagine that all the disabled are well-off ? They're amongst the poorest in society.
You could just thank God you have your health and stop bellyaching.
I agree with you, but there never seems to be anyone checking the parking lots!!
Actually I have spina bifida too.