AIBU Re parent and child parking

[BlueSuedeStiletto]

Right. I'm fully aware that this is a bit of a contentious issue but...

DSis has broken her leg. Today I took her to the supermarket as she needed a big shop and her DP currently only has a motorbike. Plus, she needed to get out of the house!

We parked in an ordinary space, but she couldn't get out- the cast she's in goes above the knee with a funny metal bendy bit that's not very bendy, so to get in and out she has to open the door fully, sit down and swivel in or out. We needed space to do this so I moved to a parent and child space.

All was fine, she hobbled around the shop very slowly and we got it done. However, once we got back to the car a woman had a massive go at us for using the space. I explained the situation, and she reckoned I should have dropped DSis at the entrance and then parked. To be fair, I did think of that, but she's quite wobbly on the crutches and feeling vulnerable so I didn't really want to leave her alone while I faffed about parking. The woman was really rude and DSis was getting upset- she's fed up and in pain as it is!

It got me thinking though- there are a few situations where you might need extra space- for example when I take my elderly GM and Aunt somewhere they need to have the doors fully open to get in and out- they're not disabled, just old and arthritic!

My point is, I fully understand why parents need the wider spaces and I wouldn't dream of parking in one of I was on my own- but AIBU to think that it's not just parents who need a bit of extra space?

My grandmother took my father shopping and used a parent and child space, when someone asked what she was doing she simply said "Well, he is my child"
My father was 36 at the time... Eeesh. Just thought i'd share that with you all. Anyhow, YANBU

I think you were fine to use them and she was rude.

I do think people should lay off the vitriol about P&C spaces though. Just brcsuse you don't need them. Of course they are a "nice to have" not a right but they make life a lot easier.

I have 3 under 5 and the 2yo is a bolter. Having those spaces means I can leave the pushchair/trolley wiyh 5yo stood next to it with baby in it while I get toddler out last and safe then manage them into store. Places that don't have them thst trolley/PC is behind the car or in a spare space nextvto the car which someone could easily swing into without looking and hit the DCs its stressful.

I'd be happy for the spaces to be as far away as possible but with a safe path to store.

Also the "healthy toddler stuffed in pushchair" I'd rather stuff 2yo in the double buggy than risk her bolting as i manage the other 2 and being run over stop judging!

You should have just laughed in her face and then ignored her, people like her thrive on the upset reactions of other people. I can't stand the public 'police' who are always so quick to jump on anyone they deem to be doing wrong.

P&C spaces are for convenience, they aren't an enforceable right. You had as much right parking there as someone with a child. It's ridiculous that she would think otherwise. It does irritate me when people park their posh cars there when they have no children, they just don't want their precious car damaging by someone else's door, the same with people in Blackout234's example as that's just goading and deliberately taking away convenience from people with children.

It is difficult to get young children out of the car without the space to open the doors wide and even moreso getting them across a car park safely when so many idiots drive like lunatics around them so of course they shouldn't just be used by people trying to make a point --very selfishly-. But I can't see how anyone would have a problem with someone with a need parking there when they have no children.

Well. then you get the bolter out last strap them in the buggy/car first before you

Then there's no need to worry about them. bolting..

then you hold their hand til shoo door and put them in a trolly.

you don't necessarily need extra space to do that.

And the point is however difficult toddlers can be they are still capable of walking the extra distance. The sister was not. and had greater need

Utter madness.

Can the woman who suggested that a woman on crutches walk THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE CAR PARK because she and her toddler are clearly more in need of the space go and take a long hard look at herself.

P&C spaces are a perk, not a right and anyone with even a scant dose of humanity or kindness would not mind someone clearly in need using one.

Now the man in our car park who uses it so no one scuffs his Aston. Martin is a different case entirely

What pisses me off though is young 20 somethings with sports cars (that you have to be physically able to get in and out of) parking in these spaces

I have a physical disability and a blue badge. I drive a lotus Elise.

I've had to carry mu DD2 kicking and screaming many a time.over busy roads or moving seats on a bus and I've had to trek over car parks from taxis with squirming child many a time while dealing with another child.

I'm. Not oblivious to how tricky it can be. But it still wouldn't trump other people's situations at times

Giles did you even read my post before you replied

I think you were fine to use them and she was rude. 1st sentence.

Followed by me noting I always got toddler out last to be safe. And noting they were not essential but safer. And noting I didn't care if they were far away if there was a safe path.

Skim reading?

YANBU