Theft of blue badges - the answer...

neilmcl

50Twuncle wrote: »

As a deterrent because thieves know that there is no way that they can be caught at the moment

The ID could be tied in to the number plate
There are approx 2.5 Million blue badges currently issued in UK - With around 3000 being stolen every year (numbers increasing due to "value" - a mobile phone could be converted to read chips - so a cheap solution is readily available

You haven't really thought this out, have you. A blue badge isn't tied to any one specific vehicle, the owner can use it in any vehicle they're travelling in.

And given that local authorities issue badges who do you think would pay for such a thing.

neilmcl

Inner_Zone wrote: »

Just wish they would put the photo in the top side, that way it would be a lot easier to see potential abuse.

Would only work if an enforcement agent was around when the BB holder (or not) was getting in or out of the car.

neilmcl

50Twuncle wrote: »

And whilst I am on my bandwagon - how many people genuinely have mobility problems and how many are just lazy ?
I struggle to walk and see many elderly people virtually running away from their blue badge parked cars ..

For someone who's supposedly has mobility issues you're coming across as very small minded and ignorant in your attitude to disability. Just because you can't obviously spot a disability doesn't mean there isn't one that requires the help a BB can give.

Inner_Zone

neilmcl wrote: »

Would only work if an enforcement agent was around when the BB holder (or not) was getting in or out of the car.

I realise there are pitfalls, but currently you can't see the photo so even more open to abuse.

neilmcl

Inner_Zone wrote: »

I realise there are pitfalls, but currently you can't see the photo so even more open to abuse.

It's very simple for a parking attendant to ask to see the badge should they so wish so I'm not sure it would make any difference, especially bearing in mind the BB owner isn't necessarily the one driving the car.

Geodark

50Twuncle wrote: »

Maybe they should be?

Defeats the whole point if they are tied to a car and not a person. My mum has one and most of the time its my sister who drives her about, but there are times if I am down seeing her that I use it when I am taking her shopping etc.

Doom_and_Gloom

50Twuncle wrote: »

I had an argument with a 4x4 woman who had parked in the last disabled space at Morrisons a few years ago - she couldn't see the error other ways and ignored me - I complained to Morrison's but they told me that they couldn't do anything...
I stopped shopping at Morrison's
She was not disabled by the way

neilmcl wrote: »

For someone who's supposedly has mobility issues you're coming across as very small minded and ignorant in your attitude to disability. Just because you can't obviously spot a disability doesn't mean there isn't one that requires the help a BB can give.

Neilmcl is correct. I know someone who has epilepsy so has a blue badge. Heart and breathing conditions can entitle a person to getting a blue badge. All things that aren't necessarily immediately obvious like my needing a wheelchair or at least crutches. Doesn't mean the others aren't disabled.

Johno100

50Twuncle wrote: »

Well what do you suggest to combat theft of cards ?

Perhaps educating Blue Badge holders not to leave the badge on display or even in the vehicle when it is not being used would be a start.

Inner_Zone

neilmcl wrote: »

It's very simple for a parking attendant to ask to see the badge should they so wish so I'm not sure it would make any difference, especially bearing in mind the BB owner isn't necessarily the one driving the car.

If only. I see someone who I think regularly abuses a badge. I have informed the local council but they won't do anything unless I supply evidence, talk about passing the buck. There are the same local council regular traffic wardens patrols supposedly enforcing residents parking restrictions who could collect the evidence they require. But they seem to ignore all blue badges irrespective of potential misuse or appalling parking. I am sure this badge is being used for visitors and customers (home based car mechanic) despite the fact he has off road parking and a garage available and the local council does also offer visitor parking permits.

Robisere

Once again there are people taking out their opinions about who should be registered disabled, based on appearances. No one posting here has X-Ray vision and no one here is so experienced in medicine that they can tell who is, or is not, disabled. There are many forms of disability and many reasons for disability. I do not believe that elderly people are seen "running from their cars", for instance. What a lurid turn of phrase. I have one very visible disability and 2 more that are not visible. Any of the latter 2 would qualify me for a BB.

As for those who regularly park in Blue Badge spaces, I had acure for one of those. A blonde fiftyish woman drove across me to park in the last BB space, in a huge Porsche Cayenne 4X4. I drove across the front of her car, parked, got out, fetched my crutch and locked the car. "Where are you going?" she asked "I won't get out!" "I know," I answered " I am going to the Town Hall to report someone parked illegally in a BB space."

I was answered with a torrent of abusive language, including the information that, if I could move my ******* car, she would move her ******* car, and further, I was several kinds of (Anglo-Saxon expletive)

I informed her that she could really do with improvements to her attitude and limited vocabulary, and moved my car. She left.

50Twuncle, if you really do have walking difficulties, take it up with your GP, who could help you to qualify for a Blue Badge. That would be a better plan than posting here with your anger at people who do not deserve it.