Skip to main content
Skip to main navigation
Skip to talk navigation

Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Saved Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Flip

1 2

AIBU?

A disabled parking one

45 replies

lilygirl81 · 22/02/2017 15:58

I can't do a diagram I'm afraid as posting from the car.

I have a blue badge and the council provided a disabled space directly outside my flat. It is a generic disabled space, not linked to my badge number or anything like that, but provided on my request.

Yesterday and today I have been out and arrived home around the same time, to find another car parked in the space. They also have a blue badge, so not disputing they have a right to park there.

My AIBU is to see if it would be ok for me to write them a note along with an application form for a parking space of their own, and explain that if I cannot park in my space, the nearest place I can park (very congested streets) requires me to get my wheelchair out, wheel up to the flat, then use my crutches to get into the building as the entrance is not wheelchair accessible. I can only do this if there is someone around to then collect my wheelchair and either put it back in the car or into the flat, as I can't manage that myself. If I get my space, I just need my crutches.

I saw the driver of the car come out of flats on the other side of the road, so a space on their side would be more suitable for them too. The person that drove away did not gave an obvious mobility issue, so I suspect the badge is either for a hidden disability or for someone they look after, but it didn't seem that parking 15m further down the street would be as much of a difficulty for them as for me.

Sorry that's such a long explanation

OP posts:

Report

LucklessMonster · 22/02/2017 16:01

Can you apply for another space on the road, explaining that this one is frequently in use by another resident?

I think it would be reasonable to talk to the other parker about them applying for a space, but it wouldn't be reasonable to try to guilt them about using the space, and I don't know why you would leave a note instead of doing it face to face.

LucklessMonster · 22/02/2017 16:01

don't know why you would leave a note instead of doing it face to face. ... Actually yes I do when I engage my brain. Ignore that.

FlouncingInAWinterWonderland · 22/02/2017 16:02

YANBU to leave them the form to apply for another space. You could also apply for thr current space to be extended, take photos to show its getting used.

Be careful not to fall into disability trumps though. You have equal qualification to use the one space on a first come first serve basis.

picklemepopcorn · 22/02/2017 16:02

That is difficult. Can you ask the council for advice? You have a very clear need for it.

19lottie82 · 22/02/2017 16:02

If it's the first time someone has parked in it, I'd just leave it. They could have just been a visitor. If it becomes a regular occiramce then yes, I'd do as you suggested.

PlayOnWurtz · 22/02/2017 16:06

Catch them and have a chat next time you see them and explain the situation and how straight forward the application process is. No need for notes when a brief chat will suffice

rightsofwomen · 22/02/2017 16:06

This isn't an answer to your question, but a question I have myself.

On what basis are blue badges issued to an actual spot ie one that you and only you could use?

It seems that the fact you can't take your wheelchair into your home unless you are parked right outside ie can use your crutches, would be a very good reason for you to have your own spot.

PlayOnWurtz · 22/02/2017 16:08

To get a space you must be a blue badge holder. However all spaces can be used by anyone with a blue badge so if your neighbour has one but hasn't applied for a space and then ooh look how convenient a space has been created for little old me. Youre buggered.

PlayOnWurtz · 22/02/2017 16:09

Do not click the link I didn't put it there!!

PigletWasPoohsFriend · 22/02/2017 16:09

Be careful not to fall into disability trumps though. You have equal qualification to use the one space on a first come first serve basis.

This is important.

WaitrosePigeon · 22/02/2017 16:11

I'm so sorry but I don't think you can challenge this one

LouKout · 22/02/2017 16:11

It maybe be able to be used on a first come first serve basis but in reality we try to respect other peoples spaces outside their homes and dont use them. I thought everyone did.

Meffy · 22/02/2017 16:12

I would speak to them face to face if you get the opportunity. We've had this before when visitors parked in the BB space requested by us.
We spoke and explained that I had to park around the corner, get wheelchair out and put DS in, then supervise 2 other DC aged 5 & 2 to walk round. Then we couldn't get wheelchair in the house so had to push it round the back of the house while leave kids 2, 3 & 5 alone. Was suck a faff... they took it on board and did not use the space again.

jmh740 · 22/02/2017 16:12

Can you apply to have the space made so the space is only available to you?

Wolfiefan · 22/02/2017 16:13

You have no idea why they need a blue badge but they are clearly entitled to use disabled parking spaces. If the space isn't allocated to you then I don't know what you can do. Are they residents or visitors? Surely visitors wouldn't qualify for a BB space anyway.
Would council link space to your BB?

clairethewitch70 · 22/02/2017 16:13

I am curious about this too.

I work from home but sometimes I have to go into the shop we own. It is a busy main road, all residents only parking for streets around. Can't double park even for dropping off. DH parks streets away and has to move his car every two hours.

Right opposite our shop, printed on the road is a disabled space. I said we are within our rights to use it when empty has I have a disabled badge. He said no, the women comes out and shouts at people who use it. He's has seen it many times. She is also entitled to a residents permit, as a business owner we are entitled to nothing. We park streets away and I have to walk on crutches to the shop, all the time the space is empty (I thnk it is the husbands who works). So I am interested in peoples views on this.

KatieB55 · 22/02/2017 16:15

Could you call the Council with the registration number of the other car - they will know which address the blue badge is registered to - and ask for their advice. Explain to them the difficulty of not being able to park outside your home.

LucklessMonster · 22/02/2017 16:15

clairethewitch70

Can you talk to the council about another disabled space for customers of the shop(s)?

I think you should use the space.

LouKout · 22/02/2017 16:16

Maybe it causes the woman lots of bother and pain if its used by others?

If she had a residents permit she wouldn't have a guaranteed space outside her door.

LouKout · 22/02/2017 16:16

That was to claire

RhodaBorrocks · 22/02/2017 16:16

I have this issue with my flats too. Me and the other user now have a polite 'first come first served' agreement. But both of us can walk and have different but equally valid conditions. The space is closer to my flat (good for me as joint instability, pain and fatigue are my worst issues) but is wider (good for her as she needs to open her door all the way, spin round on her seat and get out that way).

In your case I'd suggest applying for a space for yourself where it will be most convenient for you. If bozo starts parking in that one instead, then you can write a note saying you got the new one because he kept parking in the other one!

Unfortunately with one space and 2 users the council will not do anything unless one of you bothers to apply for a second space as you're both blue badge holders and therefore seen as equal in the eyes of the council.

PlayOnWurtz · 22/02/2017 16:18

But if the space is empty and she is home but she hasn't got a car in it then she can't complain really. You're allowed to use it so use it.

Don’t want to miss threads like this?

Weekly

Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!

Email address

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

LouKout · 22/02/2017 16:18

Maybe someone comes to pick her up

lilygirl81 · 22/02/2017 16:19

Thank you. I definitely don't want to get into a who is more disabled battle, as that isn't the point of the spaces. I did wait in the car to try and catch them and speak to them, but had to go inside as bursting for the loo.

I've left a note with an application form just saying I noticed they had needed the space a couple of times now and they could apply for one outside their building if they need it.

Thanks for the advice about asking for the space to be extended, I will look into this if they carry on using the space

OP posts:

PigletWasPoohsFriend · 22/02/2017 16:19

they will know which address the blue badge is registered to

Blue badges are registered to people not cars. That's why they can be used in whatever car the disabled person is in.

Flip

1 2

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.