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.

Apply for a blue badge, the application isn't as stressful as it is for things like PIP. You can work full time and still get on. I appreciate that doesn t help for now though

@Londongirl888 I think if I was given any kind of wrath I might just burst into tears.
I need the space right now. I hope not forever.

There is some element of regional variation in eligibility daftly.

But that doesn’t mean people can just make their own decision to use the spaces. Whatever you think of the system it is pretty clear in that to park in the spaces you need a blue badge.

But that doesn’t mean people can just make their own decision to use the spaces. Whatever you think of the system it is pretty clear in that to park in the spaces you need a blue badge.

Absolutely agree. Hope my previous post didn’t make it sound like I didn’t.

Definitely agree with the need for a temporary blue badge. I really could have done with one a couple of years ago after surgery. I was on crutches for 7 months and struggled to walk any distance and get in and out of the car. I used a p+c one once and got a mouthful from a parent who couldn’t get one.

I just let it wash over me. I knew I needed the space just as much as that lady...I just got there first.

Go for the p+c. Any compassionate person will not have a problem.

I have hEDS and have a blue badge as well as working, it took 2 weeks from requesting it to getting it and has helped me be able to get out the house alot more than I could before. Still days where I can't do much but helps to be able to park outside the shops ect. And pop in quicker

@PunkrockerGirl59 you are sadly mistaken.

Blue badges are issued by local councils. Each council decides its own eligibility criteria but guarantees a BB to those who have enhanced mobility PIP.

Some councils have more generous criteria than others. Some insist on a face to face assessment with an occupational health professional, for every applicant. Others will make a decision based on your answers on their form. Broadly speaking, they decide based on how far you can walk. Different councils have different distances.

OP needs the extra space to get in and out safely. She will be able to walk beyond the distance probably, so it is very dependant on her councils eligibility criteria.

Hi @PurpleDaisies ,
Each LA has their own criteria, so it is a bit of a postcode lottery.
I will try the B.B. application for sure, but as I’m generally active etc it’s a fairly temporary thing. Like I flare up every 1-2 months but I can go and do excersise when I’m well, and my condition is well managed and fairly mild and I haven’t deteriorated so much due to the extensive physio I’ve done for 10 years. I do feel very very lucky for that.
It is just really hard now.

This is the problem with not all needs and disabilities visible and permanent. So p&c is the best option posters on here wouldn't mind.

Also want to Reiterate I WILL NOT BE USING THE DISABLED BAYS. I’m just tired and sore and poorly and upset that going out for my prescription and a pint of milk, feels like such an ordeal.

At our local supermarkets i notice a lot of people park down the far end of the car parks where it's quiet right over a white line, so taking up 2 spaces. Often it seems to be because they're driving a £££££££ car and don't want it scratched. Occasionally it seems to be because they can't actually park properly. However i'd be willing to bet a few of them park there and like that because, like you OP, they need the space to get the door right open, they're not P&C or qualify for BB but the normal spaces are just too bloody narrow for them.

Perhaps as well as BB spaces, we need more informal disability/priority need parking, which can be used for people with disabilities that's are temporary, not severe enough to warrant a BB etc. And these spaces are courtesy spaces like P&C.

There's not really much point. If people can't figure out how disabled parking spaces work, they definitely won't be able to figure out anything else.

There's no point for you, because you have a blue badge. But there's every point if you've broken your leg, have a flare up of a condition, but can't get a BB, are pregnant with severe spd etc. Not all people with disabilities get blue badges, but many could benefit from some informal accessible spaces (in addition to formal BB ones)

Sleep exactly

@blanktimes thank you - i do have a variation of this in my window.

but some days i need my Rheumatology consultant, my physiotherapist, my psychiatrist and a copy of my medication list at hand, just so it’s provable that yes, i do have a badge and yes, i can park here, thanks.

wouldn’t life be easier if there weren’t so many people in it? heh.

My mum is wheelchair bound, non-weightbearing, she has been refused a blue badge. Where do poster suggest we park? How do we manage transfers in and out without space to get a wheelchair between two cars?

In fact I have a homemade sign that says wheelchair user and park in P&C spaces and/or speak to the car park owner about their policy. I have recently been told by the car park operator at a particular shopping centre that they agree to us using a disabled space and we will not be fined in the circumstances which was brilliant, but the lack of a blue badge is making it extremely difficult for her to get out and about. Blue badges are not handed out automatically and are not easy to get.

@exWifebeginsat40 I wouldn't show anyone without medical qualifications any confidential medical history and neither should you have to, that's scandalous. You have the badge, that's all that's required.

@Lexiloo "My mum is wheelchair bound, non-weightbearing, she has been refused a blue badge."

Apply again, can you get medical evidence to support her needs? Is it an NHS wheelchair? That was one of the questions I remember from the BB assessment. If it's not, ask your GP to refer her for a wheelchair assessment, then copy the report to the Blue Badge people. Has she had an OT assessment for her needs in the house? If not, ask for one of those too.

@lexiloo that’s awful your poor mum 😢

Please do get an assessment! Even if you don't need the BB regularly having it for the days you do have it or if you have a change in health situation is a good idea.