Parking and the elderly

[Ireallycantthinkofagoodone]

I recently attempted to renew a blue badge for an elderly (93 year old) relative. Despite him needing to use a walking frame or sticks, having had several falls, having stiff and painful joints, and a bit of confusion, he has been refused a blue badge.

I have lived in an area that had a ‘brown badge’ scheme, which were given to anyone over a certain age - I think it was 70 or 75. Now, not everyone needs to secure a space near to store entrances - I’m late 70’s myself and regularly walk 8-10k a day, but many people do need this, as they can’t confidently walk too far.

But aside from blue badge spaces, the only other close ones are parent and baby spaces. Why? I don’t understand why the latter can’t be further away, and wide enough to access car seats.

If my 93 year old relative is no longer entitled to a blue badge, I feel the only option is to park in a so called baby space, so that I can encourage his ongoing independence in choosing his food shopping. He just wouldn’t go if I couldn’t assist.

AIBU - Elderly people don’t need consideration in supermarket car parks

AINBU - If blue badges are being heavily restricted now, spaces in car parks should be set aside for the elderly, and parent/baby spaces moved further away.

Ok, but how about we also let people with children park in disables spaces as what’s good for the goose is good for the gander!!

lolacherricoke · Today 22:10
"Ok, but how about we also let people with children park in disables spaces as what’s good for the goose is good for the gander!"

Do you realise how ridiculous you sound ?

OP should try and get a GP letter to help this chap get a bb - he is 93, he is bound to be frail. The OP should write to their MP and asked for them to intervene .

To be fair, at the council swimming pool we go to, all of the Disabled spaces are taken up by very important parents with very important children. Not any of whom display a Blue Badge.

When my frail 90 year old mother was refused a blue badge, I used the P&C spaces. After all, she was my parent and I, her child 😄

Agreed. I love your logic. I would do this also. But how disgusting that a frail woman of 90 is refused a Blue Badge.

The child has to be under 12

They don’t “have to”, child and parent spaces are a courtesy, that’s all. They’re not enforceable.

Are you really suggesting having a young child is on par with having a disability? 🙄

But in some places you can get fined. I believe Tesco fine £100, reduced if you pay within 14 days. I have just googled this.
It is income for privately operated Supermarket car parks.

Empathy bypass alert.

Not strictly a response to OP, but more to some of the other redpondents.I am not claiming that every 93‑year‑old is a flawless driver — but if they’ve passed the driving test and meet the legal health requirements, they are every bit as entitled to be on the road as anyone else. The sheer arrogance of suggesting someone shouldn’t drive purely because of their age is disgraceful.There are plenty of safe, competent drivers in their 90s, and far more reckless, clueless hazards on the road who are half that age and shouldn’t be trusted with a steering wheel.Ageism masquerading as “concern” is still ageism. Shame on anyone who thinks age alone determines ability.

I am interested in this debate but I have no skin in it quite frankly. I have been shopping for at least 15 years online. I have taken my aunt ( now dead) supermarket shopping. She had Parkinson’s and a BB. I also had difficulty getting a BB for another relative, but that was more about trying to get all the documents needed together and the relative not being able to locate them.

There are some ageist comments on here ( I am old) but also older people who seem unbothered about reducing the P and C spaces. There are also people who seem to think that supermarkets are a community hub. They are a business sometimes with car parks managed by private companies.

I certainly won’t be driving at 93!
As an older driver, I would welcome tests to determine my capabilities after a certain age. At least people would know then.

She never mentioned he was driving. People do not need a driving licence to apply for a blue badge

I thought Blue Badge holders could park anywhere on pubic roads for up to 2 hours Maybe it's changed?

This doesn't deserve a reply.

Give over

Completely disagree. I sm usually defending older people and agism on MN but i feel very strongly that people should stop driving at 80. It's not about them. It's about other drivers and pedestrians. There is an arbitary starting age to drive so there should be an arbitary stopping age.
This would also have the effect of focusing people's minds on the suitability of where they live as they age if they know they can't have a car at 80, rather than staying put and assuming they can stay driving and leaving it too late to move.

NO, P& C Spaces should not be close, they should be in a safe space furthest from the store. It's ridiculously dangerous and moronic for them to be at the highest traffic and footfall site.

Ah so its safer to have small children walk through the highest traffic areas?

A common idea is having them next to a walkway.

Agreed. But it need not be as far away as possible. Fewer children walking through car parks is safer for all.

Yes, of course it is. At that point the parent is in control.

Not of other vehicles they aren't.

You need to fill in the application form thinking about his worst day. I've just done this for a relative. The phrase "supporting their independence" was very useful. Make sure you mention the stress of being far from the shop entrance, inability to carry shopping and walking aids at the same time and the fact that if they don't get a blue badge, they risk injury/isolation.

Unfortunately you need to lay it on with a trowel.