The injustice of the Blue Badge scheme

esmerobbo

The Deep does have a valid point, there is probably a need for a temporary concession for severe impairment. Having arthritis in both knees I know how difficult and painful it can be, I am lucky I have a blue badge, if I didn't I would be goosed as on my best days I can do 20 yards with aids before needing too stop.

Even if the NHS get TD sorted quickly or he goes private, he is likely to need some concession especially if he is on his own. It must be very difficult if you have a short term disability that stops you doing everyday tasks, or causing you discomfort in doing so.

One advantage it save me traipsing around shops with her in doors, but oh for the days I could walk for miles.

Guys_Dad

Umkomaas wrote: »

When you get over to Benidorm, don't forget to check out Mel and Madge's mobility scooter shop. I'm sure there'd be discount for extended hire.

Actually, in Benidorm ( and no comments please about how I know!), the latest thing is tandem mobility scooters. Maybe available in this country, but not seen them here.

So, holiday makers with mobility problems are well catered for there. Also useful for transporting drunk brits home to hotel in the early hours.

Umkomaas

Guys_Dad wrote: »

Actually, in Benidorm ( and no comments please about how I know!), the latest thing is tandem mobility scooters. Maybe available in this country, but not seen them here.

Also c/w liftable centre arm rest, adapting to single use for the 'go-large' fat lads and lasses.

Guys_Dad

Umkomaas wrote: »

Also c/w liftable centre arm rest, adapting to single use for the 'go-large' fat lads and lasses.

Actually, the 2 seaters are in tandem format (one behind the other) but the thought of a side-by-side mobility scooter being wielded by either drunk fatties or elderly pensioners is truly scary! :rotfl:

The_Deep

This chap was refused a BB because he "still had two legs"

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2757524/Man-one-arm-told-t-disabled-badge-car-unless-loses-ANOTHER-limb.html

Yet this chap

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2737547/Pensioner-fit-qualify-blue-disabled-parking-badge-NO-feet.html

has fewer than two legs, but does not qualify either.

Just what do you need to qualify, apart that is to be in receipt of certain benefits. What about someone who does not bother claiming benefits as they do not need them, just as certain wealthy pensioners do not claim winter fuel payments, but wouldbenefit from a blue badge, the whole system seems to be unbalanced.

Redx

as mentioned previously but clearly ignored, it has little to do with benefits , although some do qualify

anyone with an ounce of internet savviness could easily google it, but I will put it here for those who dont have the time to look

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/consumer_w/consumer_cars_and_other_vehicles_e/consumer_driving_and_parking_e/consumer_driving_and_parking_for_disabled_people_e/consumer_the_blue_badge_scheme_e/who_is_eligible_for_a_blue_badge_w.htm

as I said previously, my late mum has never been on any benefits but did have a BB as a pensioner due to illness (pensions and illness are not "being on benefits")

my pensioner grandma had one due to the first option (again not on benefits)

• you are registered as blind/severely sight impaired

so no" bad back" and "not on benefits"

no system is perfect, neither is the BB scheme, neither are the places it can or cannot be used , but they have tightened up the eligibility in recent years, but there will always be anomalies

The_Deep

Well, I have my mobility assessment tomorrow. I have done my homework, downloaded the EA and the Dft guidelines to LAs, (all 110 pages), to my laptop, and have tested my walking pace, (36.3 metres per minute).

Confidence is high.

The_Deep

Confidence was misplaced. I was refused, on the same day as I was assessed.
However I have produced a cracking reply.

If it fails there are always the Local Government Ombudsman, The Equality and Human Rights Commission, The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, Old Uncle Tom Cobley, etc., etc., etc..

They have picked the wrong marine, this could cost them a fortune.

4consumerrights

I just caught up with this thread - it seems some edited posts along the way - The Deep at his best....

or worst whichever way you like to look at his statements.

However, this thread has revealed something - I now know who the Deep and no HotBring he is not the director of a parking company!

The blue badge as explained for the umpteenth time is not relevant on private land but the requirements to make reasonable adjustments prevails. You will find that this can in most instances apply to acute short term disabilities.

The difficulty with getting the private parking companies to adhere to their legal obligations as a service provider is down to the BPA and COP and their mentality that those with other needs can only find redress via the legal system. This is scandalous in itself.

Half_way

To be honest with you, it shouldnt really come down to the BPA and its made up COP.
The fact is that if this person has a long term disability, blue badge or no blue badge then reasonable adjustmnest should, or must be made where practicable.

If i was in that position ( and thankfuly I am not ) I would park in a disabled bay and leave a simple letter/cover note to the customer service desk, ( or to someone else)
Dear Sir/Madam.
the Driver of vehicle <description/reg number> has parked in a disabled bay as He/She has a long term disability that affects his/her movement and as such requires a reasonable adjustment to be made under the Equalities act.
Any attempt to place a private parking charge notice on this vehicle, and then follow it up with threatening letters sent to the registered keeper may be seen as a breach of the equalities act by the car park owner/supermarket as principal as a result of their agents ( the parking company/contractor) actions.
Thank you for your co-operation and understanding in this matter.


If you really wanted to play devils advocate you could do the above and make your own blue badge, most ppc signs that i have seen do not define a valid blue badge, make your own, add some text and to make it valid give it an expiry date sometime in the future - ie 100 years hence.