Free Parking For Disabled

[erimus1]

Can anyone explain to me why it is that some carparks have free carparking for disabled drivers. I am disabled myself (although I do not have a badge). As a disabled person I would not want to be part of any discrimination, including positive.

Oh, and I don't buy the bit about disabled people being less fortunate and uneployed - that would be a sweeping statement, and on many occasions, the disable people taking advantage of their free parking are driving around in very expensive cars like BMW's and the like.
Thanks

[tubeway]

My sons girlfriend is disabled and can not walk very far - as such she has not got the option of walking to the shops that an able bodied person would have. She is a student and so relies on her motability car (which she could not otherwise afford - an adapted nissan micra). She could not afford to keep paying the necessary parking fees and so free parking is a lifesaver for her.

I know this system is abused but there are many deserving people too.

[Salamanda]

It is unfair that disabled drivers get free parking. why should they? yes it is good that they have reserved spaces but I always wondered why you dont have to pay. The usage is totally abused anyhow, I think it is easy to get a disabled badge or use others, as people do.

[ianess]

As the original question states, it isn't the case that ALL car parks provide free parking for disabled [horrible word...much prefer handicapped] badge holders who don't necessarily have to be the driver of the vehicle. Many private companies provide spaces but still expect and receive payment.

erimus1....from your "sweeping statement" just exactly what type of car should we be permitted to drive?

If anyone would like to swap their lifestyle for my handicaps I'll gladly throw in my blue badge for free.
Contact me through the Ed at Answerbank..........please.

[Coobeastie]

Council run car parks are required to provide a certain percentage of spaces to blue badge holders.

I'd have to agree with erimus though. Whilst trying to avoid making sweeping statements how can it be fair that for example a student in a clapped out fiesta has to pay to park whilst trying to live on a pittance but a disabled person in a top of the range merc doesnt.

If free parking is going to be issued i think it should only apply those with full disability allowance..i.e blue badge free car, no tax.

[erimus1]

Ianes, I think that you'll find that the "sweeping statement" that I first mentioned in my question was actually refering to the fact that not all disabled people should be eligable to free parking - their disability should not come into the question.

You mention swapping your lifestyle with an able bodided person - don't be so self pittying - I think I am entitled to state this as I was borno spinabifida and have had twelve major operations. I've spent years trying to make up for the fact that I have some sort of handicap - I don't expect free parking just because I am able to apply (but have not and never will) for a blue disabled badge (and I don't want yours either -

What I was trying to say in my original question. statement was that positive discrimination is just as bad as negative - I don't want any of it. Free parking should not be given away because of a disability. Tubeway if your son's girlfriend can't afford to park somewhere, then like me or anybody else, she will have to park somewhere else - I do not pity disabled or handicapped people, just as I do not want to be pittied for my handicap - I get on with my life and make the best of things (without taking advantage of positive discrimination!)
Thanks,
Steve

[ianess]

erimus1..........just what exactly is it that you're complaining about? It surely can't be the fact that some parking space providers are allocating space for people with mobility difficulties? Or is it the fact that some of these spaces provide free parking? Are you setting yourself up as some sort of martyr just because you want to refuse some little assistance when it is offered?
As far as your comment about self-pittying goes, I'm sure that we could have a long and totally meaningless debate about the pros and cons of our own individual handicaps [or disabilities if you prefer that word], but I can't understand your comments about "very expensive cars like BMW's".
As I said in my original answer, the holder of a blue badge does not have to be a driver. Should they be subject to comments such as yours because the driver has a vehicle you disapprove of?
Lighten up.......life's too short as it is.

[Toureman]

IANSS is right, don't get so wound up about nothing.

[erimus1]

Ianess. Ofcourse I do not disagree with the fact that there is an obligation on local authorities, and in fact, private businesses to provide disabled parking. My point was that, just because someone is disabled in some way does not automatically entitle them to something for nothing. You surely must understand that positive discrimination is also a bad thing in whichever form it is found. And it is quite obvious to most that providing 'free parking' for disabled is positive discrimination.

I have nothing in general against BMW drivers - I used to have one myself!
Regards,
Steve