Disabled parking bays

poppycat_3

Trix, I really do agree with you. The situation I had was far from ideal. The fact is that when people abuse the spaces, whether that be people that aren't disabled using disabled spaces or people that have no right to the P&C spaces using them, its always going to be people with a genuine need that lose out.

You have a disabled child, and at the time I mentioned, I had a 1 yr old and a 3yr old, who is more entitled to a space nearer the shop? Obviously we both had a reason to be able to park near to the shop entrance. So if people wrongly take the space I should have been able to use, then I agree that the attendant should have been trying to stop the OAP's parking in the wrong place then it wouldn't have a ripple effect of parents being told to use the disabled spaces.

The thing i would point out though is that I use that supermarket at least 3 times a week and even on a Saturday afternoon there are ALWAYS empty disabled spaces. And ALWAYS parents with kids fighting for the P&C spaces. It's bad organisation by the carpark.

My suggestion would be to have 'special parking' rather than one set of spaces for badge holders and another for Parents. That way both those groups can use a larger combined number of spaces and more importantly, the car park attendants should police it better, and make sure people using those spaces are entitled to them.

lisyloo

The problem I see with "special parking" is that there is no definition so it is even more likely to be abused.

Everyone what disabled means (you need one of those blue badges) and everyone know what parent and child means (you have to have some children).

I know this gets abused but what does "special" mean?

Does that mean that if I dislocate my knee playing football and suffer a temporary injury - that I am now "special".

There is abuse already of a fairly clear system.
To make the system less clear would be disastrous in my opinion.

poppycat_3

lisyloo, I suppose you're right. It's a bit vague and would probably cause more confusion (and abuse) than the current system. Grrrr.... And there was me thinking I had just put the world to rights.

So I guess the only solution is to get those paintball guns out LOL. ;D

Trix

The thing i would point out though is that I use that supermarket at least 3 times a week and even on a Saturday afternoon there are ALWAYS empty disabled spaces.

Jeez - I'm obviously shopping at the wrong supermarket! Mine has about 20 disabled and 20 P&C bays and it's only at around 8pm and after that we've got hope of getting in either on ANY day of the week! (it's amazing how many more disabled/people with kids shop on rainy, cold or snowing days....hmmmm...)

Great innit - a choice of two designated bay types and I still end up getting the kids babysat while I shop and park in a regular bay to avoid the hassle! :-/

PaleScene

Our local Tesco has got notices up saying they will be *enforcing* the policy on the Disabled bays (of which there are 3, I think there are 6 parent and child ones).

I always target one of two places in the carpark, the spaces nearest the cardboard recycling bank (it's gobsmacking how much cardboard I seem to accumulate in just a few days!) or the space at the far end of the car park best placed for cutting through to the lending library. When in town at 'big' Tesco I park at the far end of the car park in order to take a healthy walk - but also because it behooves you to pass a good number of trolley ports in hopes of finding one of the non-huge family trolleys, there are never any by the shop door).

I read Caterina's post with interest as I'm trying to be greener, and likely to be losing use of my car within the year anyway. Here in Gloucestershire there is a new car share scheme which seems a good idea for semi-regular users. My only reservation is that I bet I'd not use it enough to justify paying to belong to it! Might be better off saving for a bike and a bike shed instead!

Oh and finally, I'm also with the person who said parking away from the doors has advantages if you're not good at parking I love a drive through ready to drive out again space!

trafalgar_2

yeah that's what I say but then I'm lousy at reversing!

Oh I am so glad i'm not the only person who likes a drive through space  ::) My husband and daughter rib me mercilessly because I always look for a drive through space or if hubby's driving , tell him to go in one. It's not that I can't reverse into a space cos i'm better at that than my husband but I just think it's so much easier to drive through  ;D

poppycat_3

 I love a drive through ready to drive out again space!

I have also been quite tempted to go for the 'drive thru space option' but sometimes its caused more hassle than its worth!

All you then need is for someone to park directly behind you, then if you have cars closely parked on either side you've got no chance of getting your trolley anywhere near the boot of your car!! So you end up having to leave your trolly round near the front of the car which means you have to walk back and forth between car and boot to load your shopping, whilst keeping an eye on your trolley, which will no doubt decide to wander off by itself, either into oncoming traffic or into the nice posh car parked nearby with the brand new paintjob. ;D

So now I just drive forward into a space and hope for the best when I have to reverse out!!

carrie_sparkle

i think i may cause some annoyance here - so beware...

my child is 7 and hates shopping
so if i am popping in for something and going to be quick - i tend to park in a P&C bay so that he can stay in the car
this is for safety so that there are plenty of people around etc etc (i only allow him to do this in daylight)

if there are no P&C spaces I DONT use the disabled - i just make him come into the shop with his chin dragging along the floor.

am i being ignorant ???
would and should i be scowled at ?????

:-[

Trix

Safety issue - Remember Holly and Jessica? That was in the daylight. Remember Ian Huntley? They knew him so didn't realise they should be wary of him. Remember their ages? 10 I think it was.
So what happens if 1. Something goes wrong with say the electrics in your car and it goes on fire 2. You slip on a wet floor and get knocked out and need to be taken to hospital 3. A known 'friend' says "your mum wants me to take you home/to her".....etc, etc, etc.

P&C bay issue - 1. why safer in these bays? you still can't see them from the shop. 2. So someone else with twins in a pram and a toddler in tow can just find somewhere else to park?. 3. kinda makes a mockery of the whole 'wide bays for being able to get small children in/out of pushchair/trolley, and in/out of car seat, closer to shop so you don't have to dodge as many reversing cars/people driving like they're in the wacky races issue'.

How would you honestly feel if you were shopping with babies or toddlers and saw someone using the space in this way?

If you're just popping in quickly - what's your child's big deal about going in? Give them a stop watch to see how long it takes to get each item or a check list for what you need to give it a bit of interest.

Better still say "you're coming in with me because as my child I love you and value your safety and as your mother - what I say goes!".

carrie_sparkle

u r totally right !!!

:-[