Why do the disabled get free passage on the Severn Bridges?

cajef

I must admit that I have no wish to knock the disabled as I have a severely disabled brother but I have sometimes thought the same as the OP.

We have a car park in our town centre with free disabled parking nearest to the shopping centre, I can fully understand the need for the parking spaces, but have often wondered why some people with obviously big new expensive cars should have free parking because they have disabled badges, while others who have probably far less income have to pay.

whitewing

I wonder if Op's research is anything to do with this: http://www.albatrosscouriers.co.uk/pages/Page_245.asp

serious_saver

cajef wrote: »

I must admit that I have no wish to knock the disabled as I have a severely disabled brother but I have sometimes thought the same as the OP.

We have a car park in our town centre with free disabled parking nearest to the shopping centre, I can fully understand the need for the parking spaces, but have often wondered why some people with obviously big new expensive cars should have free parking because they have disabled badges, while others who have probably far less income have to pay.

A lot of disabled people have big, new expensive cars because they need them. Cars that are provided on motability have a limited lifespan and are replaced regularly meaning they will always have a fairly new car. A friend of mine needs significant adaptations in order to drive at all and the car she has on motability is a Mercedes because they are the only company who will do the specific adaptation.

On the subject of the original OP's question. It could be to do with the fact that the Severn Bridge is the main route in and out of Wales. If a disabled person needs to drive in order to get around they shouldn't be forced to take a significant detour in order to get from A to B.

cajef

serious_saver wrote: »

A lot of disabled people have big, new expensive cars because they need them.

Yes I appreciate that but from experience with my brother I know of several people with disabled badges that have a far higher income than either myself or my brother, who by the way is reasonably well off and admits he could certainly afford to pay parking when his wife takes him anywhere.

I do realise that some are not in that position just as with able people however any able person does not get free parking.

Ah well thought over for the day.:)

System

serious_saver wrote: »

It could be to do with the fact that the Severn Bridge is the main route in and out of Wales. If a disabled person needs to drive in order to get around they shouldn't be forced to take a significant detour in order to get from A to B.

Why would they need to take a detour, just pay like most other drivers.

katsu

Having a disability tends to involve extra living costs compared to able bodied people. I consider it fair that as disabled people are less likely to be able to travel by other means, that they are able to get free toll crossings and free parking.

Financial help is important in being able to meet living costs and psychologically beneficial to be able to travel to friends, family, appointments and work.

geordieracer

katsu wrote: »

Having a disability tends to involve extra living costs compared to able bodied people. I consider it fair that as disabled people are less likely to be able to travel by other means, that they are able to get free toll crossings and free parking.

Financial help is important in being able to meet living costs and psychologically beneficial to be able to travel to friends, family, appointments and work.

This is very very true. But it has always amazed me how my uncle and aunty who are disabled can afford the very latest in both computers/dollshouses(?) and such like and also very expensive presents for their daughter..

Yet i normally have to save or get credit for such items.

I dont begrudge them a free Toll crossing really as theres not many of them who will do it daily and nor the free parking either..

whitewing

geordieracer wrote: »

This is very very true. But it has always amazed me how my uncle and aunty who are disabled can afford the very latest in both computers/dollshouses(?) and such like and also very expensive presents for their daughter..

Perhaps they've been on MSE longer than you!

System

katsu wrote: »

Financial help is important in being able to meet living costs and psychologically beneficial to be able to travel to friends, family, appointments and work.

And that is a statement that is true for a lot of people on a low/no wage, not just people with a disability.

That is grasping at straws in trying to claim that disabled people are financially worse off than everybody else and should therefore get concessions.

serious_saver

katsu wrote: »

Having a disability tends to involve extra living costs compared to able bodied people. I consider it fair that as disabled people are less likely to be able to travel by other means, that they are able to get free toll crossings and free parking.

Financial help is important in being able to meet living costs and psychologically beneficial to be able to travel to friends, family, appointments and work.

I completely agree.