Having to pay and display even with Blue Badge?

andrew71

I have a blue badge and giving the choice of whether I would get free parking but be further away or park nearer to where I want to be in a designated disabled spot but have to pay I would take the latter every time.

Ames

Poppie68 wrote: »

Aren't they still called a PCN though?

No. Only councils and the police are allowed to issue a penalty charge notice. Private companies often try to call it a PCN though, sometimes using different words beginning with those letters.

Better_Days

Interesting thread.

BB parking used to be free in our local town. Now you have to pay, but IIRC you get longer for your money, presumably as those with disabilities may need longer to get to and from where they are going.

People with disabilities are more likely to be in poverty (although there are of course exceptions) which maybe why BB parking used to be free.

nannytone_2

people receiving JSA/ESA/IS may also be living in poverty, but they don't receive concessionary parking either.

i accept that extra time may be needed, and in many cases is allowed

cattermole

The way I look at it is particularly at the moment councils are so strapped for cash they have no choice to charge for parking including BB holders because if its a budget choice of cutting vital care services or charging all for parking. I know which choice I would make.

I don't think disabled people do themselves any favours or the disabled either who really need the care by protesting about blue badge holders having to pay. There isn't the spare cash to fund these things.

Plus to get a blue badge now you would be extremely unlikely to get it unless you were in receipt of mobility (unless) over 65 and it could be argued as it is there to fund extra travel costs, parking is part of it.

I agree hospitals should be free though for all. But again they need the revenue. Our hospital has a huge new car park and a drop of/pick up area which you can use for up to 10 minutes free.

If you are an inpatient at our hospital you can get a weekly pass for relatives which is heavily discounted.

anneliza

The problem for disabled people is lack of options. Able bodied people have the option of using Park and Ride, parking in cheaper car parks, leaving the car at home and walking or catching a bus. Those options are not available to a truly disabled person, their only option mostly is to park as close as possible. This means they are at a disadvantage compared to most people as the element of choice has been taken from them, for this reason I do not think they should pay parking charges.

nannytone_2

on the flip side, many disabled people CAN use public transport or other options ( many of the most severely disabled people qualify for hospital transport schemes)
are we really wise in splitting hairs over a few pounds when some disabled people are having their care packages almost totally removed?

i was always taught to 'choose my battles' so unless this issue severely impacts on the lives of a majority of disabled people, then it does seem rather picky to me.

as cattermole pointed out ....
most people that have a BB have it purely on the basis of a HRM award of either DLA or PIP. this is paid to help with the issues around mobility... and paying to park in a suitable place would seem the ideal us4e of it!

tomtom256

anneliza wrote: »

The problem for disabled people is lack of options. Able bodied people have the option of using Park and Ride, parking in cheaper car parks, leaving the car at home and walking or catching a bus. Those options are not available to a truly disabled person, their only option mostly is to park as close as possible. This means they are at a disadvantage compared to most people as the element of choice has been taken from them, for this reason I do not think they should pay parking charges.

What pray tell is a truly disabled person?

anneliza

Hmm you are correct it does sound a bit judgemental. I suppose I meant that some disabled people are capable of walking a short distance and travel on a Park and Ride bus, or may be able to use public transport. Others may struggle more, it may be difficult to travel anywhere without their own transport, the difficulties of getting on and off public transport or manoeuvring even a short distance may be very hard.
Disabilities does come in many different forms.

bloolagoon

I have regular hospital appts. My issues are not mobility related though I'm slower than I'd like. I have to pay for parking, why should a BB give automatic entitlement to free parking?

Surely if the issue is disability then all should get hospital parking free and all with a disability under EA get free parking.