Page 20 | Blue badge police again

Rainburstflowers · 2025-04-11T08:00:23+00:00

Name changes for this as I do every so often. I have blue badge but my disability is not visible. For the 3rs time in 2 weeks I have been challenged about not looking disabled and I am fed up of explaining myself yesterday got out the car and this man came charging towards me shouting “oi you don’t have a blue badge”. I sighed and said “yes I do”. He then said “where did you nick that from?” I said “I didn’t nick it from anyone I got it off eBay” He then looked at me and said “oh right and walked off” as if that was then ok!!!! or it could be my built like a brick shithouse husband opened his door and got out the drivers seat. I know I should not have said the eBay comment but I am fed up of explaining myself. if anyone has any good comebacks please let me know

Allergictoironing · 13/04/2025 20:57

A quick reminder that council Civil Enforcement Officers (i.e. traffic wardens) have no remit on private land, just on council owned roadways and car parks. So no use assuming they could do anything about someone parked in a supermarket car park, or (as is the case regularly for me) at their work car park; I think that's the case for the police too.

Also remember that the vast majority of CEOs have to undergo training and pass exams on parking laws plus the local laws from the area they cover. Sometimes you'll get ones who haven't been in the job all that long and make mistakes, but on the whole they DO know what the rules are.

Where I work there are a total of 5 disabled bays just by the main entrance to the building. There's between 100 - 140 spaces in total I'm guessing for the building. Sadly too many people insist on parking in them when they are "just waiting for someone" without clarifying that the person they are waiting for has just gone in for a 2 hour meeting or similar. We can try to tell them, but most ignore us - my go-to comment is around "can you remember to put your blue badge up if you're parking here". Some mutter then move, some look faux shocked and say they didn't realise, some ignore me completely and some tell me to mind my own F*ing business. I could only wish for there being some way we could have legal enforcement of these spaces - the nature of the building and the people visiting means that there are some tricky situations where building management & senior management are very careful how they act round these people.

Lovelysausagedogscrumpy · 13/04/2025 22:43

Shotokan101 · 13/04/2025 15:06

Look, I get the point(s) being made here and empathise with those with disabilities BUT surely at least some of you can see how it can appear to other people when they see someone who "appears" to have no obvious physical disability preventing them from using non-disabled parking spaces?

Also, you are aware that there actually are people out there who,

a) just park in restricted parking spaces such as Disabled or "Married with Children" etc. spots because they simply "can't be arsed" and feel entitled to ignore "rules" that apply to "other people".

b) go so far as to use fake Blue Badges

c) have a valid Blue Badge entitling them to use it when driving a disabled person entitled to the permit, but who just use it anytime they want to.

Given the above then how would you suggest that they/we address those problems?

No. None of this justifies challenging someone who is displaying a valid badge. For the love of God it is not the business of a random busybody to challenge someone with a badge. If they don’t look disabled enough that’s your problem, not theirs. It’s your ableist idea of what a disabled person looks like that’s to blame here. If you have a concern take the badge number and report it.

Lovelysausagedogscrumpy · 13/04/2025 22:54

Shotokan101 · 13/04/2025 17:03

We both know that such reports or complaints are pretty much going to end up in "the circular filing cabinet", and even if that wasn't standard practice, you'd have to be pretty intrusive to gather relevant "evidence" - photos of the car registration, person, badge etc. and for the scenario that it's a "designated driver" you'd have no way of getting evidence of a breach short of following them around and/or waiting, for possibly hours, for them to return without "the badge holder" in tow.

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Bollocks.

T1Dmama · 14/04/2025 01:52

shuggles · 12/04/2025 18:17

@Rainburstflowers or it could be my built like a brick shithouse husband opened his door and got out the drivers seat.

Men aren't intimidated by other men "built like a brick shithouse." Physical assault is illegal, so there's nothing that a "brick shithouse" man could ever do to me.

I think there's a real lack of maturity behind the idea that men are intimidated by bigger men. The size of men is something that never crosses my mind, and it makes no difference to me whether someone is massive or tiny.

That’s just you… it’s a fact that men are less likely to Challenge or bully other men, than say a 5ft woman….
I reckon someone would be less likely to challenge a 7ft man built like Dwayne Johnson than say a man built like the man from the mr muscle advert!

DraigCymraeg · 14/04/2025 09:24

Tessasanderson · 11/04/2025 09:44

I can never understand blue badge holders moaning about this. Can they not see that the person doing the asking is trying to protect the blue badge holders right to that space?

In the current society there are not many people who will actually put themselves out for whats right and wrong. See someone getting beaten up, turn away. See someone stealing, turn away. See someone parking in a disabled space to protect their Range Rover, turn away.

So once in a while they get it wrong and ask someone with a not obvious disability if they are genuine. Is that such a hardship for someone actually having some social concerns?

Or maybe they just start to wonder if its worth it, ignore it all and let blue badge holders cry about lack of parking in future because no one gives a stuff.

It's the one's who are abusive and even dare lay hands on a person we are talking about. Not quietly civilised folk checking.
By the way I could qualify for a Blue Badge but as I can 'manage' I don't have one.
And for the record, I have NEVER parked my Range Rover in a disabled space.

springbringshope · 14/04/2025 18:11

Shotokan101 · 13/04/2025 15:06

Look, I get the point(s) being made here and empathise with those with disabilities BUT surely at least some of you can see how it can appear to other people when they see someone who "appears" to have no obvious physical disability preventing them from using non-disabled parking spaces?

Also, you are aware that there actually are people out there who,

a) just park in restricted parking spaces such as Disabled or "Married with Children" etc. spots because they simply "can't be arsed" and feel entitled to ignore "rules" that apply to "other people".

b) go so far as to use fake Blue Badges

c) have a valid Blue Badge entitling them to use it when driving a disabled person entitled to the permit, but who just use it anytime they want to.

Given the above then how would you suggest that they/we address those problems?

What are you suggesting though? That disabled people detail their disability to any old arse who demands to know?

In what world is this reasonable? It’s not your business what disability they might suffer with. And in any case they might be lying and just make something up so how does that help you in your investigation ?

or maybe you think disabled people should, I dunno, show you some proof of their amputation/bowel disorder/balance disorder?

I mean what are you suggesting they do? How is demanding answers going to help in any way?

Lovelysausagedogscrumpy · 14/04/2025 18:13

Allergictoironing · 13/04/2025 20:57

A quick reminder that council Civil Enforcement Officers (i.e. traffic wardens) have no remit on private land, just on council owned roadways and car parks. So no use assuming they could do anything about someone parked in a supermarket car park, or (as is the case regularly for me) at their work car park; I think that's the case for the police too.

Also remember that the vast majority of CEOs have to undergo training and pass exams on parking laws plus the local laws from the area they cover. Sometimes you'll get ones who haven't been in the job all that long and make mistakes, but on the whole they DO know what the rules are.

Where I work there are a total of 5 disabled bays just by the main entrance to the building. There's between 100 - 140 spaces in total I'm guessing for the building. Sadly too many people insist on parking in them when they are "just waiting for someone" without clarifying that the person they are waiting for has just gone in for a 2 hour meeting or similar. We can try to tell them, but most ignore us - my go-to comment is around "can you remember to put your blue badge up if you're parking here". Some mutter then move, some look faux shocked and say they didn't realise, some ignore me completely and some tell me to mind my own F*ing business. I could only wish for there being some way we could have legal enforcement of these spaces - the nature of the building and the people visiting means that there are some tricky situations where building management & senior management are very careful how they act round these people.

Most major supermarket car parks are operated by parking companies. I’d recommend talking a photo of the offending vehicle and contacting the operator. At work is the car park owned by your employer ? If so, they should be enforcing the disabled parking - no point in having it otherwise.

Lovelysausagedogscrumpy · 14/04/2025 18:16

DraigCymraeg · 14/04/2025 09:24

It's the one's who are abusive and even dare lay hands on a person we are talking about. Not quietly civilised folk checking.
By the way I could qualify for a Blue Badge but as I can 'manage' I don't have one.
And for the record, I have NEVER parked my Range Rover in a disabled space.

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To be honest I have a problem with both types - even the polite ones. If a current badge is being displayed there is absolutely no reason to challenge. It’s no-one elses’ business why someone has a badge.

northerneast · 14/04/2025 18:22

DraigCymraeg · 14/04/2025 09:24

It's the one's who are abusive and even dare lay hands on a person we are talking about. Not quietly civilised folk checking.
By the way I could qualify for a Blue Badge but as I can 'manage' I don't have one.
And for the record, I have NEVER parked my Range Rover in a disabled space.

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‘Quietly civilised folk’ - challenging BB holders? Yeah that’s not civilised it’s hideous.

Braygirlnow · 14/04/2025 22:03

Keep a white stick in your car and when they approach get out and tell them your blind! 🤣🤣

LadyKenya · 14/04/2025 22:11

DraigCymraeg · 14/04/2025 09:24

It's the one's who are abusive and even dare lay hands on a person we are talking about. Not quietly civilised folk checking.
By the way I could qualify for a Blue Badge but as I can 'manage' I don't have one.
And for the record, I have NEVER parked my Range Rover in a disabled space.

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Why the need to check, if a BB is displayed though? What gives them the right, to interrogate a complete stranger?

NeverDropYourMooncup · 14/04/2025 22:12

DraigCymraeg · 14/04/2025 09:24

It's the one's who are abusive and even dare lay hands on a person we are talking about. Not quietly civilised folk checking.
By the way I could qualify for a Blue Badge but as I can 'manage' I don't have one.
And for the record, I have NEVER parked my Range Rover in a disabled space.

Show quote history

Quietly civilised folk would be leaving us alone, not knowingly causing alarm, distress and offence nut making sure they have the excuse of 'Well, I was ever so polite about it, I don't know whyyyyyyy they're being sooooo emotional and uncivilised about it'.

Bullying and abuse can be even more effective when disguised in a low voice and wide eyed innocence.

qbqbq · 14/04/2025 22:35

I would be a bit careful. Anyone who is ignorant and aggressive with enough time on their hands to gob off at a blue badge holder is not really someone you want to get into verbal with. I would just say - I have a blue badge due to my disability, which is personal and private information, so please let me get along.

OldCottageGreenhouse · 14/04/2025 23:38

myfaceismyown · 13/04/2025 11:43

There are 3 BB spaces outside our Asda invariably filled with SUVs who don't display badges... I do glare at them as I hobble past with my aid but too timid to say anything to the men in the drivers seats on their phones. Yes I have a BB, would appreciate being able to find a space to use it!

Wow you sound incredibly judgemental! If they’re in the vehicle then they’ve probably not yet put their badge on display! Or have just got back to their car! Just because someone is young, driving an SUV and has a shock horror a smartphone(!) doesn’t mean they’re not disabled 🙄

I’m a badge user, severely disabled and drive an SUV from Motability and you’ll often find me sat on my phone in my car whilst I wait for my medication kick in. My blue badge is permanently blue tack’ed to my windscreen (has been for 11 years and not yet been stolen 🤞🏻) so perhaps you’re not looking properly!

myfaceismyown · 15/04/2025 00:13

@OldCottageGreenhouse too funny. I guess you also have your music blaring whilst your partner goes shopping and throw your trash out of the window? Never a BB to be seen there or back. I probably feel particularly annoyed when it happens as, like many of us BB holders, I cannot take my pain medication when I am driving.

Jumpingthruhoops · 15/04/2025 00:23

Ficklebricks · 11/04/2025 09:20

"You don't look disabled" could be countered with the following:

Tell that to my doctor who says I am

You don't look like a dickhead but then you opened your mouth

You don't look stupid either but you obviously are

"Where did you get that blue badge from" could be countered with:

From my doctor who knows I need it, would you like to have a word with him? (As you dial the GP number on your phone)

Where did you get that sense of entitlement from?

You don't look like a dickhead but then you opened your mouth

This reply. Every. Single. Time.

Jumpingthruhoops · 15/04/2025 00:34

I can never understand blue badge holders moaning about this. Can they not see that the person doing the asking is trying to protect the blue badge holders right to that space?

Are you joking? So, they're willing to go out of their way to cause an argument with an actual blue badge holder in defence of an imaginary blue badge holder they've conjured up in their head!? Right... 🤔

I'm of the opinion that society would be a much better place if more people kept their noses out of things that don't concern them...

sashh · 15/04/2025 04:46

Jumpingthruhoops · 15/04/2025 00:34

I can never understand blue badge holders moaning about this. Can they not see that the person doing the asking is trying to protect the blue badge holders right to that space?

Are you joking? So, they're willing to go out of their way to cause an argument with an actual blue badge holder in defence of an imaginary blue badge holder they've conjured up in their head!? Right... 🤔

I'm of the opinion that society would be a much better place if more people kept their noses out of things that don't concern them...

I don't have a car at the moment, but when I did it had hand controls. Even saying, "yes it is my BB and this is the accelerator" still results in, "I bet the BB is your Nan's"

Ohthatsabitshit · 15/04/2025 07:14

sashh · 15/04/2025 04:46

I don't have a car at the moment, but when I did it had hand controls. Even saying, "yes it is my BB and this is the accelerator" still results in, "I bet the BB is your Nan's"

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The bb has nothing to do with your accelerator.

Allergictoironing · 15/04/2025 08:04

Ohthatsabitshit · 15/04/2025 07:14

The bb has nothing to do with your accelerator.

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I think the idea there is to show that it's an adapted car, as they are the only ones with a hand accelerator.

Ohthatsabitshit · 15/04/2025 08:18

Yes I expect so, but the conflating of Blue Badge (a scheme run through your local council to allow an individual to park in designated disabled parking and some double yellow lines), Mobility (a part of a disabled persons PIP awarded to those that struggle to move around) and Motability (a car hire scheme only available to the disabled in exchange for qualifying benefits as one way a disabled person could find their vehicle or wheelchair) is particularly unhelpful at the moment as people search for ever more convoluted ways of trying to reduce the support of the disabled in our country.

LadyKenya · 15/04/2025 08:29

sashh · 15/04/2025 04:46

I don't have a car at the moment, but when I did it had hand controls. Even saying, "yes it is my BB and this is the accelerator" still results in, "I bet the BB is your Nan's"

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That is why they are best ignored. No explanation, the BB being displayed is enough.

Grendel7 · 15/04/2025 08:37

Getting a blue badge from ebay is illegal.You can only use legally one from your local council who consider all your answers to their questions before deciding if you are elligible. Thats the way everyone else does it,and I had been wondering why so many people had a blue badge who clearly shouldn't and why I have to limp an struggle from miles away whilst folk without badges but probably have a headache today ( aww) park in disabled bays.Consider what the fine/sentence is for illegally using one of these.

LadyKenya · 15/04/2025 08:46

Grendel7 · 15/04/2025 08:37

Getting a blue badge from ebay is illegal.You can only use legally one from your local council who consider all your answers to their questions before deciding if you are elligible. Thats the way everyone else does it,and I had been wondering why so many people had a blue badge who clearly shouldn't and why I have to limp an struggle from miles away whilst folk without badges but probably have a headache today ( aww) park in disabled bays.Consider what the fine/sentence is for illegally using one of these.

You cannot look at anybody, and possibly know whether they need one, or not. That is quite an ignorant assumption. Have you heard of invisible disabilities, or read the thread, by any chance?

Grendel7 · 15/04/2025 08:54

To be honest,I do have a legit blue badge,but get annoyed when people misuse them.You are only allowed to use it if YOU are going to leave the vehicle,so if your relative parks up then hops out,leaving you in the car that is misuse as your relative is not the owner of the badge.The big problem though is people parking in these bays who DON'T have a badge,just "entitled",not those who actually have a badge. I have never been challenged but if I was I would be happy to explain and with a smile. Being aggressive should not be your "go to " setting,even if theirs is,and nothing diffuses quicker than a polite reply.Two wrongs don't make a right.