Parking Rule ... did you know ? Save money avoiding illegal fines ! 21 November 2020 at 7:35PM in Disability money matters 20 replies 763 views

monkeybrand

ARE YOU A BLUE BADGE DRIVER ? 

I found out something very useful the other day. A rarely known rule : 

Did you know that, if the carpark you are in has signage regarding payment for blue badge holders, and *this cannot be seen by the driver without leaving the car*, it cannot be enforced.

I contested a recent pcn on this basis, and won, saving me £100. I appealed via POPLA, and the parking enforcers had no case at all.

Remember this fact - you never know when it may be helpful ! 🤩

monkeybrand

I had no idea ! Here’s a bit from the letter they sent me that is useful for us all to know :

“When assessing signage at a site, we must consider whether it meets the requirements as laid out in the British Parking Associations (BPA) Code of Practice. Within section 19.9 of the British Parking Association (BPA) Code of Practice it states, “So that disabled motorists can decide whether they want to use the site, there should be at least one sign containing the terms and conditions for parking that can be viewed without needing to leave the vehicle. Ideally this sign should be close to any parking bays set aside for disabled motorists”. 

MalMonroe

I really don't think blue badge holders should have to pay anything to park anywhere but it's good to know this - also PCNs from private companies should be challenged anyway. I've had three in the past and fought them all successfully. (There's a separate thread though for this . . .)

cantcope

MalMonroe said:

I really don't think blue badge holders should have to pay anything to park anywhere but it's good to know this - also PCNs from private companies should be challenged anyway. I've had three in the past and fought them all successfully. (There's a separate thread though for this . . .)

why do you think this? a blue badge is for closer access, not free parking... there is no reason why a disabled person cant afford to pay for the carpark the same as everyone else has to.

poppy12345

cantcope said:

MalMonroe said:

I really don't think blue badge holders should have to pay anything to park anywhere but it's good to know this - also PCNs from private companies should be challenged anyway. I've had three in the past and fought them all successfully. (There's a separate thread though for this . . .)

why do you think this? a blue badge is for closer access, not free parking... there is no reason why a disabled person cant afford to pay for the carpark the same as everyone else has to.

I've lived in various parts of the country over the years and also have a blue badge. I've yet to find any car park that charges for parking for those with a BB.

Savvy_Sue

poppy12345 said:

cantcope said:

MalMonroe said:

I really don't think blue badge holders should have to pay anything to park anywhere but it's good to know this - also PCNs from private companies should be challenged anyway. I've had three in the past and fought them all successfully. (There's a separate thread though for this . . .)

why do you think this? a blue badge is for closer access, not free parking... there is no reason why a disabled person cant afford to pay for the carpark the same as everyone else has to.

I've lived in various parts of the country over the years and also have a blue badge. I've yet to find any car park that charges for parking for those with a BB.

My late mother always used to complain that she had to pay to park in at least one of the town's car parks, even with a blue badge. I seem to remember that the time allowed was more generous. She was someone who could afford to pay so she didn't get much sympathy from me, I'm afraid. 

So to poppy I'd say, never take it for granted that it's free to park with a blue badge. Be glad if it is free, but check!

poppy12345

Savvy_Sue said:

poppy12345 said:

cantcope said:

MalMonroe said:

I really don't think blue badge holders should have to pay anything to park anywhere but it's good to know this - also PCNs from private companies should be challenged anyway. I've had three in the past and fought them all successfully. (There's a separate thread though for this . . .)

why do you think this? a blue badge is for closer access, not free parking... there is no reason why a disabled person cant afford to pay for the carpark the same as everyone else has to.

I've lived in various parts of the country over the years and also have a blue badge. I've yet to find any car park that charges for parking for those with a BB.

So to poppy I'd say, never take it for granted that it's free to park with a blue badge. Be glad if it is free, but check!

Thankfully, i never take anything for granted and always make sure i check when going someone i haven't been before.

Spoonie_Turtle

poppy12345 said:

cantcope said:

MalMonroe said:

I really don't think blue badge holders should have to pay anything to park anywhere but it's good to know this - also PCNs from private companies should be challenged anyway. I've had three in the past and fought them all successfully. (There's a separate thread though for this . . .)

why do you think this? a blue badge is for closer access, not free parking... there is no reason why a disabled person cant afford to pay for the carpark the same as everyone else has to.

I've lived in various parts of the country over the years and also have a blue badge. I've yet to find any car park that charges for parking for those with a BB.

Quite a few coastal and tourist towns charge and it seems to vary by council, e.g. in Pembrokeshire most council car parks give you an extra hour free but you have to pay for the rest of the time. 

MalMonroe

cantcope said:

MalMonroe said:

I really don't think blue badge holders should have to pay anything to park anywhere but it's good to know this - also PCNs from private companies should be challenged anyway. I've had three in the past and fought them all successfully. (There's a separate thread though for this . . .)

why do you think this? a blue badge is for closer access, not free parking... there is no reason why a disabled person cant afford to pay for the carpark the same as everyone else has to.

I think it's mainly because I have a disabled relative and they really struggle to actually just survive. So personal experience, really (although not my own) - and when you struggle on benefits and are disabled too, I just think perhaps we could be kind and give disabled people a break? I'd hate to be in her shoes (well, she only has one leg so shoe, I guess). 

Lots of people think as you do and I think it's really sad. So we can't give people concessions when they are fiercely independent (as is my relative) but would welcome some help. I don't think they should pay, no, I really don't. And I don't think the rest of us should, either to be honest.

unforeseen

I don't think they should pay, no, I really don't. And I don't think the rest of us should, either to be honest.

I think we should all be given free food and accommodation as well but that is as divorced from reality as much as your idea of free parking for all. 

KatrinaWaves

Spoonie_Turtle said:

poppy12345 said:

cantcope said:

MalMonroe said:

I really don't think blue badge holders should have to pay anything to park anywhere but it's good to know this - also PCNs from private companies should be challenged anyway. I've had three in the past and fought them all successfully. (There's a separate thread though for this . . .)

why do you think this? a blue badge is for closer access, not free parking... there is no reason why a disabled person cant afford to pay for the carpark the same as everyone else has to.

I've lived in various parts of the country over the years and also have a blue badge. I've yet to find any car park that charges for parking for those with a BB.

Quite a few coastal and tourist towns charge and it seems to vary by council, e.g. in Pembrokeshire most council car parks give you an extra hour free but you have to pay for the rest of the time. 

Yeah my local area charges, but you get 2 hours for free with a blue badge instead of 1 hour in the short stay.