To think there is not enough disabled bays for how many badge users there are

[thecherryfox]

I have been disabled my entire life, as a kid and even as a teenager getting access to a disabled space was a lot easier than it is now. I believe now with the intake of how many people can access a badge with many different conditions - the amount of disabled bays have stayed the same but the influx of badge holders have risen.

Between 2021-2022 there was a 25% increase in blue badge holders from the previous year, but there wasn’t a 25% increase in disabled parking spaces. It’s rising each year, but there is no increase in parking spaces.

I’m physically disabled and the difference between me not getting a close space often means I cannot physically go. I know people with ‘hidden’ disabilities like bowel diseases would feel the same about accessing a close space. I’m truly not blaming individuals for getting badges because if they at eligible they are entitled to one - but it’s within the government to know that an increase of blue badge holders should mean an increase of spaces for people to access.

Same

You don't have to be on DLA/PIP to have a BB. My best friend has a BB and doesn't claim anything (she tried but was turned down).

That's my point. Different LA's have different criteria or assessors arrangements for discretionary bb's where there is no automatic entitlement. Limiting this to automatic entitlement would help especially as the people who would qualify have been assessed as such. It would standardise the process.

parent and child spaces? This thread is about blue badge spaces

well shopping centres and supermarkets are private car parks and nothing to do with government so they wouldn't necessarily keep up to date with increases in blue badges. frankly they should be for wheel chair users and those that are vulnerable to cross a car park only. having a bowel condition or diabetes and getting a blue badge is ridiculous

how did he make it round the shop then??

It is just as well that the people who set the criteria, think differently then.

I agree

my mum had lung cancer and in a wheelchair towards end of life. We went to Trafford centre an no disabled spaces so had to park a long way away. Was difficult with kerbs etc. Got inside and no one looked like they needed a disabled space. Yes people say “hidden disabilities” but how can they not cope with the car park but can cope with the inside of the busy Trafford centre. Massive abuse of the privilege for sure - it’s so annoying

It's not abuse if they have a BB though. Just because you don't think o they should have one, and I'm not disagreeing, doesn't make it abuse. It's just a system you don't like.

I think this would be sensible.

I have a blue badge but I don't need extra space at the minute, just proximity.

I was responding to someone who specifically mentioned parent and child bays

I think this is a lack of understanding on your part.
Think of a child that is ND, and is a 'runner'... as in they have no sense of danger at all, and when dysregulated might try and leave the safety of their parent and car. In a car park, that is dangerous. Not everyone obeys the speed limits/crossings. In a shop, it is not so much of a problem that could end in serious injury.

My best friend has a BB for photophobia. In the summer, she is classed as blind outside. She wears shades, a visor, and still slams her eyes shut. She can just about manage in a shop, but in the sun... nope. She has to be arm and arm with someone.... and she has a BB to reflect that.

I mean, you said your mum was in a wheelchair. If she is being pushed, then doe it matter how far away you parked?

These threads always go the same way. People deciding who looks like they need a badge, versus those that look like they don't. If they have displayed a valid BB, that is all that matters. And having a hidden disability which could mean any number of things, does not render someone incapable of being in a busy shopping mall! The ignorance is unbelievable. I take it by hidden disability, you mean Autism.

What you describe does not need a disabled badge - they can walk just need extra care

Got inside and no one looked like they needed a disabled space. Yes people say “hidden disabilities” but how can they not cope with the car park but can cope with the inside of the busy Trafford centre.’

Presumably because they can stop and start. You can’t exactly sit down or even stand in the middle of a car park for a break, unless you want to be hit by a car, as my Grandmother with COPD did when she was out shopping. She stopped literally every minute that she walked when in a shopping centre and sat down for ten minutes or leaned against something. She still needed a blue badge unless she wanted to become a human speed bump.

A lot of private owned carparks have plenty of free disabled spaces but blue badge holders can park for free on double yellow lines and most council owned car parks. If you are prepared to pay for parking you will find spaces in most towns.

Where I live there are always empty disabled spaces.

If your mum was being pushed in a wheelchair, then why does she need a space close to the shops?

Have not found this at all but then I do most of my shopping at a big shopping centre and/or a retail park but find there’s loads of disabled spaces unfilled but hardly any parent and child spaces. Think it really depends on the area.

That particular shop we no longer use, others that aee closer we use the in shop mobility scooters or manual wheelchairs..or he stays home...I can park on the far side of the car parks and walk..

Where I live and other towns I visit regularly there is always loads and loads of free disabled spaces so I don't agree OP sorry

And there are other valid reasons too but that’s just one from my personal experience.

I’ve got to say that the ignorance around people with disabilities who don’t use a wheelchair really fucks me off. People who require/use a wheelchair are not the only disabled people who matter and their disability is no more(or less) valid than anyone else’s. And no you cannot tell who should have a blue badge just by looking at them. You cannot tell who is disabled.

Said as someone who has invisible disabilities and also physical disabilities that were near invisible but stlll very real for me, and which are now becoming apparent to anyone who sees me walking including complete strangers. I was still disabled even when I was the only one who was aware of it. The problems it caused me were still very real.

What I find amazing is that after dark BB spaces suddenly become a free for all in my area as apparently disabled people don't go out after dark 🤨 FWIW I am a BB holder and find it easier to go out at quieter times (also pick up bargains too!)

Shhh you’ll start a all BB holders don’t work benny fits thread

And likewise there’s a lot of ignorance aimed at people who do use wheelchairs. It’s pretty depressing to see the ignorance on disability forums and MN aimed at people with visible disabilities by people with invisible disabilities and vice versa when we should be supporting one other.