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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To park in one of hundred of disabled spaces where there isn’t a single P&C space?

388 replies

MickeyMouseShithouse · 26/01/2023 21:21

I have two children in car seats and I struggling getting them out in one particular multi storey car park local to me. The thing is, this multi story has hundreds.. hundreds(!) of disabled spaces that the majority of are always empty, but not a single parent and child space for a shopping centre?!

Its started to effect my anxiety and puts me off going there but it’s really the only half-decent place I can get anything locally.

WIBU to park in a disabled spot? Not even one close to the entrance, just any of them!

or who do I contact to question why there aren’t any p&c spaces?

it’s so frustrating, I can’t imagine there are a couple hundred disabled people going shopping to the same shopping centre in the same day.. but I can imagine there are are least 1 family with a car seat/pushchair!

OP posts:
dawnc27 · 26/01/2023 21:25

yes ywbu if you park in one.
it was your choice to have 2 kids, no one chooses to be disabled and disabled bays are provided by law, p&c spaces are just a courtesy some places provide
dont be that dick...

Soubriquet · 26/01/2023 21:25

You risk getting a ticket doing that.

XenoBitch · 26/01/2023 21:26

P&C spaces are something shops provide to attract parents. It is a marketing tactic. No one has to legally provide them.
If you need space, then park further away.

RocketPanda · 26/01/2023 21:26

YABVU. I understand that small kids are tricky in car parks but you are not disabled.

KangarooKenny · 26/01/2023 21:27

You don’t have a blue badge, so no, you can’t.

Lbnc2021 · 26/01/2023 21:27

You get anxiety over a parking space 🤨

AffIt · 26/01/2023 21:28

Completely BU.

Disabled spaces are protected BY LAW, P&C spaces are a nice wee courtesy touch afforded by some providers.

If parking provokes such anxiety in you, then I would suggest you perhaps take some refresher lessons with a sympathetic instructor or find a car that suits your needs better.

ReamsOfCheese · 26/01/2023 21:29

In the leaflet you get when you apply, it clearly states that the blue badge scheme doesn't actually apply to private car parks, but you're in a moral grey area.

DonnatellaLyman · 26/01/2023 21:29

Sounds like you need a smaller car? You only have 2 kids why can’t you get them out of a normal space?

Starlitestarbright · 26/01/2023 21:29

I hope your joking.

BashfulClam · 26/01/2023 21:29

It’s a dick move.

Holly3 · 26/01/2023 21:29

I completely get what you mean OP. I also see alot of people without children using parent & child spaces when there are hundreds of disabled or regular parking spaces too. I have two young children myself and it's so frustrating when you park far away from anyone else just to get them out of the car and into the pram safely to return to people parked right up next to me. I would definitely contact the car park/shopping centre as I'm sure more suggestions for parent & child spaces would maybe help!! X

neverknowinglyunreasonable · 26/01/2023 21:29

This reply has been deleted

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JenniferBarkley · 26/01/2023 21:30

YABU. YABVU.

Two kids in car seats is a pain, but manageable. If they're not twins, park at the end of a row and get the older one to cross over and get out on the other side.

XenoBitch · 26/01/2023 21:30

I am also calling bullshit on a car park having "hundreds" of disabled spaces.

ZeroFuchsGiven · 26/01/2023 21:31

Dont be a dick.

bloodywhitecat · 26/01/2023 21:31

Well this thread has taken a very weird turn..

ilovesooty · 26/01/2023 21:31

Holly3 · 26/01/2023 21:29

I completely get what you mean OP. I also see alot of people without children using parent & child spaces when there are hundreds of disabled or regular parking spaces too. I have two young children myself and it's so frustrating when you park far away from anyone else just to get them out of the car and into the pram safely to return to people parked right up next to me. I would definitely contact the car park/shopping centre as I'm sure more suggestions for parent & child spaces would maybe help!! X

P&C spaces aren't protected in law.

Holly3 · 26/01/2023 21:32

@ilovesooty I'm aware of that. But it doesn't stop dickheads parking in them when they don't have children or need the extra room!

Outandover · 26/01/2023 21:33

Contact the shopping centre management and ask them why there aren’t any P&C spaces provided. I would have thought this is quite unusual for a shopping centre carpark.

You can’t park in a disabled park but you can ask the question of management and see if they will at least consider adding a few P&C parks.

Figgygal · 26/01/2023 21:33

Never any excuse for it I'm afraid
Park further away if you need space

ilovesooty · 26/01/2023 21:34

Holly3 · 26/01/2023 21:32

@ilovesooty I'm aware of that. But it doesn't stop dickheads parking in them when they don't have children or need the extra room!

Sometimes people who struggle with mobility who don't qualify for a blue badge park in them. I think that's fine.

Viviennemary · 26/01/2023 21:34

It's simply not allowed. And you know that so why ask.

somoslagente · 26/01/2023 21:35

i have had trouble with disabled people parking in parent and child places when my baby was born and i couldnt walk very far myself post emergency section. this lasted for around 2 years.

i found that there were carparks where there were more disabled places free than actual normal spaces - and yet the blue badgers still parked in the parent places...

it is so unreasonable - however you cant park in a disabled place without a badge so you are f.cked.

Bluebellsand · 26/01/2023 21:35

Park at the end of a row. You could then swing or open the door(s) on one side. Or the space next to blue badge space.