In thinking Mother and Baby car parking spots....

[Writerwannabe83]

....are actually for parents with babies/toddlers?

It was always my understanding that the wide spaces are for parents who have car seats and pushchairs to contend with, not for parents of 10 year olds who just want to park nearer to the shop, like a family that I saw today?!

I'm only moaning because I've just twisted and scraped my back trying to remove my car seat from my half closed back door door, in a very tight parking space whilst trying not to scratch the car I'm parked next to.

I was secretly fuming at those in the Mother and Baby spaces who surely shouldn't have been there, like the one I mentioned above.

And breathe

Because p&c space threads always turn into disablism threads. Always. Without fail. Because there's always someone goady who equates having a child and 'needing' a p&c space to being disabled and needing a disabled space.

I'm not sure if it's disableism or complete ignorance of the needs of blue badge holders, but either way your posts are pretty disgraceful Slarti.

What do you think is disgraceful? Specifically, what do you think I've said that is disablist?

I've made it clear that I don't equate the two circumstances and that the only common characteristic is a need for more space. I feel some people are wilfully misinterpreting things in order to have an argument.

Also, I'm fully aware of, and have personal experience of, the varying needs of blue badge holders thanks very much.

It always happens on these threads Bored. Some people start to equate P&T spaces with disabled spaces, failing to see that one is essential in order for a group of citizens to be treated with equality and respect; and the other is simply a concession by businesses wishing to attract the lucrative young family market.

For people with children the extra space is a bonus, but realistically it doesn't stop you from going about your day to day life.

For someone who is disabled being able to park in a disabled space could be the difference between getting out and not.

The two aren't comparable and to suggest that the spaces being combined shows a lot of ignorance as to the issues faced by disabled people to do simple things that most take for granted

Sorry this is out of context but justshootme your the very fist person to ever reply to me!!!

Sorry first not fist

Slarti - i think the problem lies with your posts suggesting that labeling all larger spaces as being for anyone with the need for it is taking away an essential and hard fought for specific space for those with a blue badge.

For disabled people Slarti it's not always simply about 'more space'. For many disabled people, including those with breathing problems, a space by the door is absolutely essential. The fact that you can't differentiate between that and parents who simply find it convenient to have plenty of space to open the car door wide is indicative of your apparent ignorance of the reason for Blue Badge spaces and of their greater importance than P&T spaces.
And also, while a parent might struggle a bit to get a baby out of the car in a limited space it can in no way be compared to someone in a wheelchair trying to get out of a car and into their chair.

Also, I'm fully aware of, and have personal experience of, the varying needs of blue badge holders thanks very much

In which case one might expect you to acknowledge the difference between nice to have a bit more space for comfort reasons and not being able to get out of the car without it. The point is if the spaces are either or, and p&c includes children up to 12, there is a high chance of someone in genuine need being denied access.

P&C spaces should be placed far from the doors or front of the supermarket
Parents need space not proximity
This will solve the problem and stupid parents will not imagine that having the baby is the same as being disabled

I don't think it's disablist, just pig ignorant and not that uncommon really.

Sorry to say and will not go down well, but unfortunately your average citizen is as thoughtfull or helpful as a chocolate potty!

I for one would definitely be perfectly happy with the P&C spaces being right at the far back end of the car park. I don't need to be close to the shop, i just need to get the door open wide.

fluffy It wasn't my suggestion, someone mentioned a supermarket that did this and someone else said that's equating being disabled with having a child, which of course it isn't any more than disabled spaces equate being blind with being in a wheelchair.

Assuming that a supermarket who does it has provided enough space (ok, probably not a safe assumption to be fair) the only assertion they are actually making is that both groups will benefit from having more space, not that both groups (or any individuals in those groups) are the same. Any other interpretation is down to the reader, who very probably is looking to take offence and have an argument, IMO.

Very true fluffy just getting the door open is helpfull and in the case of some car parks the boot too!

bored - it's true. And it's sad thing. It feels like no one will lift a finger to help any other bugger these days. I have raised my kids to be kind and considerate and to help out when they see someone in need, and i feel we are in the minority for sure.

Oh, x posts bored.

Slarti, It is very important to distinguish between disabled spaces and P&T spaces. There are going to be far more parents and children in your average shopping centre so if you just provide for instance thirty extra wide spaces for use by either group, they will very quickly fill up with parents and kids and there will be no spaces left for disabled people; most of who will then have to turn their car around and go home.

Specific spaces need to be ring fenced for disabled people and no one else, including parents, should be allowed park in them.

The fact that you can't differentiate between that and parents who simply find it convenient to have plenty of space to open the car door wide is indicative of your apparent ignorance of the reason for Blue Badge spaces and of their greater importance than P&T spaces.

You've completely imagined that I can't differentiate between them. I can, and I do. On the other hand, you cannot differentiate between the statement "both groups benefit from having more space" and "both groups are exactly the same".

And also, while a parent might struggle a bit to get a baby out of the car in a limited space it can in no way be compared to someone in a wheelchair trying to get out of a car and into their chair.

Agreed. The idea that I'm trying to equate one with the other is entirely in your imagination.

Fluffy glad I'm not alone when did decency die out people used to open doors now your lucky if they don't let them slam on you! It might be old fashioned but a little thought for others goes a long way

No it's not in my imagination Slarti. It's in the text of your posts. And a large number of other posters have read them the same way.

Thanks Jaded

In which case one might expect you to acknowledge the difference between nice to have a bit more space for comfort reasons and not being able to get out of the car without it.

One might expect you to read my posts, specifically the ones in which I explicitly acknowledge that difference, before accusing me of having not acknowledged it.

Slarti

You seem to believe that everyone on here is misreading your posts. Have you ever heard of the expression 'everyone's out of step except me' because that really sums up your attitude on this thread.