Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To use disabled parking bays when on crutches?

272 replies

Glamgwen · 22/04/2023 08:43

Boring parking question. I’m currently on crutches following on operation. I need to park in a multi-storey car park today (no other options) that doesn’t have a lift. I can’t manage stairs or slopes, so can only park on the ground floor but these spaces are all disabled. Would it be acceptable for me to park in one & leave a note in the window explaining the situation & giving my mobile number in case anyone with a blue badge needs the space? I should add that there are loads of disabled spaces & I’ve never known them all to be in use.

OP posts:
Sirzy · 22/04/2023 11:08

catruleshouse · 22/04/2023 11:07

It’s fairly simple …..

Show quote history

It is.

it’s a disablist person who doesn’t even try to hide the fact!

lidlbrownjug · 22/04/2023 11:09

@catruleshouse it's fairly simple. You are ableist.

IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere · 22/04/2023 11:10

My friend was entirely reliant on a wheelchair when out and about and was waiting for a Blue Badge. She parked in a disabled bay and was fined. She appealed but it was upheld and she had to pay.

x2boys · 22/04/2023 11:10

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Don't be ridiculous do you know how hard it is to get a blue badge 🙄

catruleshouse · 22/04/2023 11:10

aberlot · 22/04/2023 11:07

Can you ask them how they did it, I need advice.

I have a motability car but can't get a BB to park it. Ask your people how they do it - i would live the help.

Show quote history

Autistic DC, fibromyalgia are two examples. My own DC are autistic but they can walk and although it can be risky they most certainly do not need blue badges however many friends have then for this reason. Two friends have qualified for their blue badges for their fibromyalgia.

LadyKenya · 22/04/2023 11:11

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

I was wondering how long it would take to see a post like this. Such nonsense, blue badges are not handed out like sweeties. Try harder next time!

catruleshouse · 22/04/2023 11:12

lidlbrownjug · 22/04/2023 11:09

@catruleshouse it's fairly simple. You are ableist.

We’ll have to agree to disagree.

Butitsnotfunnyisititsserious · 22/04/2023 11:13

Two friends have qualified for their blue badges for their fibromyalgia.

As they should have done. What's wrong with that?

OneFrenchEgg · 22/04/2023 11:14

Autistic DC, fibromyalgia are two examples. My own DC are autistic but they can walk and although it can be risky they most certainly do not need blue badges however many friends have then for this reason. Two friends have qualified for their blue badges for their fibromyalgia.

It's almost like autism is a spectrum!

Sirzy · 22/04/2023 11:15

catruleshouse · 22/04/2023 11:10

Autistic DC, fibromyalgia are two examples. My own DC are autistic but they can walk and although it can be risky they most certainly do not need blue badges however many friends have then for this reason. Two friends have qualified for their blue badges for their fibromyalgia.

Show quote history

But same diagnosis doesn’t mean same presentation or needs.

what makes you more qualified to decide than an expert?

LadyKenya · 22/04/2023 11:16

There seems to be a miscomprehension with some posters thinking that you have to be unable to walk in order to qualify for a BB. No wonder some people who hold one get abuse from ignorant members of the public, for being able to walk more than 3 steps. Sorry it is a bit of a bugbear for me.

x2boys · 22/04/2023 11:16

catruleshouse · 22/04/2023 11:10

Autistic DC, fibromyalgia are two examples. My own DC are autistic but they can walk and although it can be risky they most certainly do not need blue badges however many friends have then for this reason. Two friends have qualified for their blue badges for their fibromyalgia.

Show quote history

Ah so you think they are playing the system🤔
If you have two children with autism you should be aware that it is a huge spectrum which impacts everybody differently?
your children may not need a blue badge but my child with autism most definitely does ,he's nearly 13 but cognitively,around 2or 3 and has zero awareness of danger he automatically qualify ,s due to getting HRM,under DLA,for severe mental impairment,we alsoi.have a mobility car.

catruleshouse · 22/04/2023 11:16

Butitsnotfunnyisititsserious · 22/04/2023 11:13

Two friends have qualified for their blue badges for their fibromyalgia.

As they should have done. What's wrong with that?

I’m sure fibromyalgia is a spectrum of need but I do not agree a blue badge is always required for it, based on my experience. Sorry to have angered people by offering my opinion but I stand by it .

Quveas · 22/04/2023 11:18

OldTinHat · 22/04/2023 08:47

If the space is marked in yellow paint, then don't park in it, you'll get a ticket.

If it's marked in white, then fill your boots.

(I have an allocated disabled bay marked in white and apparently its a 'courtesy' space that anyone can parknin, badge or no badge.)

This of course has no relevance to the OP - a car park is private land and if you park in a disabled space then they are entitled to ticket you. And for those who think it's worth the fine - have you had a look at what the typical fines are?

OP, get someone to drop you off or get a taxi to the shops. Disabled bays are for disabled people - the hint is in the name.

Soubriquet · 22/04/2023 11:18

No. Legally you can’t and you are subject to a fine.

Use a parent and child space. They are a courtesy

sleepyscientist · 22/04/2023 11:18

Really what is needed is some form of accessible parking provision, say issued along with a sick note that allows people to use disabled bays.

The problem with abusing parent and child bays is you are equally preventing someone going about their day. I had a mini one when DS was a baby and could manage to get him and out (10 years ago). I've now got a year old mini JCW and realised the other day when parked in the same car park the doors are thicker and I doubt I could get a baby in and out despite being thinner that I was back then!

CherryCokeFanatic · 22/04/2023 11:20

You could get a ticket. What would you do if you did? Your appeal won’t win because you don’t have a badge.

I would use a parent and child space if available

catruleshouse · 22/04/2023 11:20

x2boys · 22/04/2023 11:16

Ah so you think they are playing the system🤔
If you have two children with autism you should be aware that it is a huge spectrum which impacts everybody differently?
your children may not need a blue badge but my child with autism most definitely does ,he's nearly 13 but cognitively,around 2or 3 and has zero awareness of danger he automatically qualify ,s due to getting HRM,under DLA,for severe mental impairment,we alsoi.have a mobility car.

Show quote history

It’s not my intention to judge your circumstances , only the ones I have experience of and as I said , I stand by my opinion. We are out on a day trip so I wish you all a good day and apologise for any offence caused.

x2boys · 22/04/2023 11:20

catruleshouse · 22/04/2023 11:16

I’m sure fibromyalgia is a spectrum of need but I do not agree a blue badge is always required for it, based on my experience. Sorry to have angered people by offering my opinion but I stand by it .

Show quote history

Which is why it will be assessed on an individual need ,by the people qualified to make that decision ,and thankfully not by Someone like you who believes that because they don't agree with it means others are playing the system.

lidlbrownjug · 22/04/2023 11:20

I can walk.

I still have a BB.

I'm autistic. But I didn't get my bb for that

Anyone would think there was a rigorous assessment process to get a BB.

Ponderingwindow · 22/04/2023 11:22

would This note be large enough to view from another vehicle driving by or would the person have to stop, get out of the vehicle, and come close to yours to read the note and see the phone number? I’m not understanding the practicalities of this plan?

x2boys · 22/04/2023 11:22

sleepyscientist · 22/04/2023 11:18

Really what is needed is some form of accessible parking provision, say issued along with a sick note that allows people to use disabled bays.

The problem with abusing parent and child bays is you are equally preventing someone going about their day. I had a mini one when DS was a baby and could manage to get him and out (10 years ago). I've now got a year old mini JCW and realised the other day when parked in the same car park the doors are thicker and I doubt I could get a baby in and out despite being thinner that I was back then!

Don't compare p&C spaces with blue badge spaces ,one is is,required by law and one is just a courtesy .

lidlbrownjug · 22/04/2023 11:23

sleepyscientist · 22/04/2023 11:18

Really what is needed is some form of accessible parking provision, say issued along with a sick note that allows people to use disabled bays.

The problem with abusing parent and child bays is you are equally preventing someone going about their day. I had a mini one when DS was a baby and could manage to get him and out (10 years ago). I've now got a year old mini JCW and realised the other day when parked in the same car park the doors are thicker and I doubt I could get a baby in and out despite being thinner that I was back then!

Parent and child spaces are a courtesy driven by marketing.

BB have to be paid for and there is an assessment process.

Iwasafool · 22/04/2023 11:25

My husband has a blue badge but got a fine in a Sainsbury's car park as he hadn't displayed it properly according to the attendant. I wrote to the CEO of Sainsbury's and they cancelled it. Really upset him and it was a quick stop on the way to a wedding so spoiled the day.

Soubriquet · 22/04/2023 11:26

I have a blue badge. Was granted one very recently. I found it quite easy to apply and granted one.