To park in a p+c disabled space (courtesy, not B.B.)

[Penisbeakerismyfavethread]

I know IABU and I won’t do it really. But I have to go to the chemists and GP. I’ve got hypermobile EDS, and Asthma that’s really been aggravated by a chest infection and this freezing weather. My joints are seizing and I’m going to really struggle in the smaller spaces.
The nearest car park is M&S and they’ve got 16 disabled and 16 P&C.
Anyone got any helpful tips.
As stated I won’t park in them but I wish I could have a more accessible parking space!!
Rant over.

Contact your local Council and ask for a Blue Badge Assessment.

I would park in a P&C space in your shoes. They're a courtesy, not legally enforceable and you have a need to be closer to the shop.

Park in parent and child. I wouldn't think that was bad

Park in the p and c space If it makes life easier for you which is sounds like it will

I have two very small children and love a p&c space. Makes life about a hundred times easier.

I wouldn’t take any issue with someone like you using a p&c space.

Park in the p and c space. They’re a courtesy not a legal requirement.

Park in P&C. They're unenforceable.

In my council you would automatically get a blue badge if you get high rate PIP or DLA have you had an assessment to see if your entitled to one?

Sorry for the mobility componant

Going to get flamed but if its a private car park which if its at M and S it is likely to be park in the disabled as they can't insist on blue badges and you meet any reasonable definition of disabled.

User - seriously??

Freezing weather? It's positively balmy in Manchester today!

You posted at 17:34, are you thinking of going this evening? Definitely grab a p&c space

User is correct. Blue badges are only for council property and public roads. Most retail car parks are private land and, whilst the BB can be used to indicate disability, not having a BB does not give them any right to issue a penalty notice. They'll try, but you can fight it on grounds of reasonable adjustment for a disability - you don't have to have a BB to prove disability.

Where abouts in Manchester Eggys im north of manchester amd its freezing

If you don’t have a blue badge don’t park in a disabled space.

@user139328237
Many stores have a firm to monitor their carparks. In my local Sainsbury's the attendant sticks a £70 fine on any cars parked in a BB space that do not display a BB.

OP, don't park in the BB spaces as you are likely to be fined, use the P+C ones but do go for an independent BB assessment at your local Council.
You don't have to have the mobility component of PIP to qualify for one, they can independently assess you.

Yes seriously. The blue badge criteria varies between councils which makes it an inadequate and unacceptable measure for private companies to use when determining whether someone can park in a disabled bay.
The equality act doesn't allow private companies to refuse to make reasonable adjustments for someone because they live in Newcastle rather than Birmingham (for example).

Use the p&c and just ignore any comments

When I was still on two walking sticks last winter I regularly used the supermarket disabled spaces. You don't get a blue badge for a temporary disability that nevertheless while it lasts dramatically impacts your life. There is in my opinion a need for short term temporary 'blue badges' for people recovering from surgery etc. The supermarket I regularly use were supportive and told me it was fine, they could see I had serious mobility problems. I started using normal spaces again the moment I went down to one stick.

Hey, I’m going to need to tomorrow- I don’t get any benefits and am fit for work therefore getting a B.B. would be awfully difficult, I very rarely get flare ups but when I do they are brutal. I am generally active etc. So the problem is rare right now (with the potential to get worse over time although my physio team are amazing a really helping me to feel better!)

My need is really Just opening the door wide enough to be able to swing round and pull myself up slowly but properly whilst still holding onto the car for balance if that makes sense xx

Get an assessment anyway. Even if you don't qualify automatically due to not receiving DLA or PIP, an assessment can be carried out and you may well qualify. We have a blue badge for my son who is visually impaired. It's an automatic qualification but if it wasn't I think I could make a decent case for him to have one.

I've had a blue badge for ten years and only this year have I claimed PIP. Apply. I was working full time as a teacher with mine - it's to make your life easier, not to say you shouldn't be working.

I’ll look into it! Thanks guys!

Just park. I have a disability but i dont have a blue badge. I use the disabled bays at supermarkets.