Disabled cars in Parent and Child spaces

[TaffyRose1]

I also feel the point of the conversation has maybe gone off track, it seems to have gotten personal towards disability which I know wasn't the intention at all. Everyone is allowed their own opinion and I think it's a bit narrow minded to just say it's pathetic people feeling frustrated about certain subjects. Different things affect each of us differently I appreciate some things others feel strongly about I don't and visa versa. I also realise getting to the shop after 2 hours sleep with a tantruming 2 year old I'm likely to blow things out of proportion, guilty on numerous occasions of that one please let's be able to say our own opinions and debate without the nastiness xxx

 

[mrswoody]

I've quickly scanned some points on here but it's all getting a bit tense!!

Personally what gets my back up even more is people parking in parent and child spaces who have no car seats in the car or have children in the car and decide to leave another adult in with them while they pop into the shop. I find that more irritating that a disabled person parking in one of the bays.

Parent and child parking is a privilege and personally I don't see the need for them to be so close to the front of a shop, I have legs and I am able to walk (or jog) to the shop door or for a trolly. Just wrap baby up a bit more.

I've parked in standard bays and have been boxed in but battled to get the car seat in. Or take baby out lay them on the passenger seat and move enough so I can get the seat in. Needs must.

I'd rather someone who needed the space more parked there than me who is (thankfully) young fit and healthy enough to not need it.
x

 

[TaffyRose1]

I agree MrsWoody for me it's not about being close to the shop, it's having space, you just can't fold those car seats xxx

 

[nicejuicypear]

JD, no one has suggested parents can or should park in disabled spaces. Quite the opposite actually, the question was whether disabled drivers should take parent and child spaces.

As for parents with older children, I think the argument is that they use them so their child doesn't fling the door open and scratch the next car. I think if they're young enough to do that, the child lock should be on, so don't really agree with that argument. But as I said earlier, since p&c spaces are only a courtesy, no one can actually stop them from parking there.

 

[H16]

This thread is the perfect example of why I don't bother getting involved in controversial topics on here. People get really nasty towards each other and try to make each others feelings invalid.

Just accept that everyone is different, everyone has different opinions, thoughts, feelings and experiences.

For once I would like to see a thread where people can just accept each others opinions and agree to disagree rather than calling each other pathetic etc. It is so disappointing to see

 

[Smileygirl]

As someone who has a disabled sibling who has genuine need for a blue badge, and all the extra space a disable bay allows, and also as a Mum of one nine month old, personally, I have no issue with this at all. People have babies by choice, and if getting in and out of a car in an ordinary space in a supermarket car park is of such an inconvenience to people with children, I think they need to reevaluate their priorities! Having a child is a choice and people should be able to deal with the consequences. Having a disability is NOT a choice. I would gladly get rid of all parent and child spaces if more disabled bays were needed. Parent and child spaces are a luxury, NOT a necessity and I have to say, I'm a bit flabbergasted anyone would have a problem with this..... Comparing a disabled bay with a parent and child space is actually pretty appalling, not mention insulting, too. Having a child is NOT a disability, and to even compare the needs of these two different groups is pretty shocking. I cannot fathom how anyone can genuinely feel they have a 'need' to park in parent and child space as much as a disabled person 'needs' to park in a disabled bay.

Just because I chose to have a baby, doesn't mean I should just accept inconvenience as par for the course. It's sounds like I deserve punishment because I chose to have a baby! We should be a caring society, which cares and helps people who need it for example by providing disabled AND parent and baby parking spaces, to give up a seat on public transport for disabled AND pregnant ladies, to provide spacious toilets for disabled AND those with prams. I don't think it's fair to infer that those with children deserve to struggle because they chose to have a baby! Procreation is a part of life and society should be caring!

And just to answer the original question, I wouldn't have an issue with a disabled person parking in a parent and baby space but I do have issues with those parkng in the spaces when they have no need! When no parent and baby spaces are available, I try to find a space on the end with space to one side or failing that, I will drive to a different car park to see if a space is available there. I don't want to be in a position where I have no alternative but to leave my baby's pram on the road so I can reverse out a bit in order to be able to open the door wide enough to get him back in. That's just downright dangerous!! i don't think parent and baby spaces are a luxury at all, I think they should always be provided, not necessarily at the front of the car park, put them at the back if you want, but I agree with others that have said that they could not open the doors wide enough to get their baby back in if they hadn't been in a parent/baby space.

 

[Holi]

I really appreciate P&C Parking, but if I have to park in a 'normal' space the thought doesn't cross my mind. Just one of them things!

I'd happily see the P&C parking filled up with blue badge holders!

I do the good old English 'tut' to myself when I are people parked in P&C when one parent stays in car with kids while other goes in shops, no need for that!

Just wish everyone had the same level of courtesy (a high level!) but unfortunately their are always people that can't see past the end of their noses and think they deserve the world to roll out a red carpet for them! Xx - this is aimed at the minority of the people i tut at not any of you lovely ladies!! Xx

 

[Baby2sky]

I hardly ever park in p&c spaces as they're always full. In the two years I've been a mother I've never ever had to contemplate leaving my child on the side of the road to get her in the car? I usually park at the top end of the car park across two spaces.

My mum is disabled and quite often has to park in.p&c as there is more of those spaces than disabled where I live! Ive never ever thought bad on her and shame on anyone who would!

 

[Emily0505]

There will be no winning this argument as no matter what solution, someone will be unhappy.

1. Blue badge holders using p&t spaces does cause inconvenience to parents.
2. P&t spaces only to be used by parents with children under five and no-one else, then the blue badge holders would struggle.
3. Provide more disabled spaces and more p&t spaces, then everyone else would get cross because there would be less space for them to park!

Nobody is a winner.

Fact is people feel how they feel and no-one should be persecuted for a different opinion. Different subjects cause passions to run high and sometimes people feel strongly about a subject and can come across a bit harsh. For some it is very important to have a p&t space whereas for others it is not a big deal. My lo is two now so it is not such an issue, but when he was a baby I suffered with PND and became obsessed with having to use a p&t space- I used to get anxious that I wouldn't be able to get him in/ out otherwise! Thinking about it now, it seems ridiculous but it was a very real issue for me at the time.

People will always have different opinions and you will never ever get everyone to agree on everything. I very much doubt anyone would have serious issue with a blue badge holder using p&t and no-one would lose any sleep over it, but it does cause parents inconvenience. Yes it is just an inconvenience and nothing in comparison to the difficulties that an individual living with a disabilities faces but it's ok for a parent to feel peeved if there's no spaces.

There are valid arguments on both sides and yet again, as is the case so very often, seems like a situation where we will all have to agree to disagree and be accepting of each other's views rather than vilify people for them.

XX

 

[Lyllian]

I agree with having a discussion or a debate on things, I don't have a problem with that,what I do have a problem with is people calling others with a different view 'pathetic', ignorance and lack of ability to see or accept others points of view is the very meaning of the word! It's sad to see people saying they purposely don't.comment on threads cause they know it'll descend into name calling. From a bunch of women who are mothers and will be bringing their babies up to learn name calling is not ok!! Name calling and.phrases like 'i can't believe people are so bothered' isn't ok amongst adults, let's practice what we preach to our children

 

[Louise2013]

As someone who has a disabled sibling who has genuine need for a blue badge, and all the extra space a disable bay allows, and also as a Mum of one nine month old, personally, I have no issue with this at all. People have babies by choice, and if getting in and out of a car in an ordinary space in a supermarket car park is of such an inconvenience to people with children, I think they need to reevaluate their priorities! Having a child is a choice and people should be able to deal with the consequences. Having a disability is NOT a choice. I would gladly get rid of all parent and child spaces if more disabled bays were needed. Parent and child spaces are a luxury, NOT a necessity and I have to say, I'm a bit flabbergasted anyone would have a problem with this..... Comparing a disabled bay with a parent and child space is actually pretty appalling, not mention insulting, too. Having a child is NOT a disability, and to even compare the needs of these two different groups is pretty shocking. I cannot fathom how anyone can genuinely feel they have a 'need' to park in parent and child space as much as a disabled person 'needs' to park in a disabled bay.

Just because I chose to have a baby, doesn't mean I should just accept inconvenience as par for the course. It's sounds like I deserve punishment because I chose to have a baby! We should be a caring society, which cares and helps people who need it for example by providing disabled AND parent and baby parking spaces, to give up a seat on public transport for disabled AND pregnant ladies, to provide spacious toilets for disabled AND those with prams. I don't think it's fair to infer that those with children deserve to struggle because they chose to have a baby! Procreation is a part of life and society should be caring!

And just to answer the original question, I wouldn't have an issue with a disabled person parking in a parent and baby space but I do have issues with those parkng in the spaces when they have no need! When no parent and baby spaces are available, I try to find a space on the end with space to one side or failing that, I will drive to a different car park to see if a space is available there. I don't want to be in a position where I have no alternative but to leave my baby's pram on the road so I can reverse out a bit in order to be able to open the door wide enough to get him back in. That's just downright dangerous!! i don't think parent and baby spaces are a luxury at all, I think they should always be provided, not necessarily at the front of the car park, put them at the back if you want, but I agree with others that have said that they could not open the doors wide enough to get their baby back in if they hadn't been in a parent/baby space.

No, what's unfair is comparing having a baby as being as much of an 'inconvenience' as being disabled. Or having a pram as being as much of an 'inconvenience' as using a wheelchair, or having a 'hidden' disability that requires use of a disabled loo, like a colostomy. To also determine that not being able to use a P&T space is 'punishment' is a new slant on things though. At no point have I said people with babies 'deserve' to struggle; I have said that having babies is a choice; having a disability is not. Those two things are in no way comparable, and I sincerely hope you never have to discover that for yourself.

I agree with the last few posters that this is a no win arguement. I am just genuinely saddened by some of what is written in this thread; at the very most, the unavailability of a p&t space is an inconvenience, and I absolutely agree that when they are being abused by the many types of scenarios that have been raised we are all entitled to feel royally peeved about it, absolutely! But to suggest not being able to park in one is a 'safety risk', is more than extreme. If this were the case, they would be required by law or parents with children would be penalised for parking anywhere else OTHER than those spaces. They are not. I would never put my child's safety at risk in any scenario and even when I've been boxed in, as aforementioned, my child's safety has never been comprimised as a result. If This 'risk' worries you so much, the easy solution is don't put the car seat on the pram (which shouldn't be done often anyway), leave it in the car where it belongs and use a buggy/the pram seat/carrycot from the boot. If you can open a car door wide enough to get in it yourself, there is plenty of space in whch to get in your baby.

No doubt this thread will get locked down soon enough, but thanks, it's been an interesting read xxxxxxx

 

[Louise2013]

I agree with having a discussion or a debate on things, I don't have a problem with that,what I do have a problem with is people calling others with a different view 'pathetic', ignorance and lack of ability to see or accept others points of view is the very meaning of the word! It's sad to see people saying they purposely don't.comment on threads cause they know it'll descend into name calling. From a bunch of women who are mothers and will be bringing their babies up to learn name calling is not ok!! Name calling and.phrases like 'i can't believe people are so bothered' isn't ok amongst adults, let's practice what we preach to our children

I thnk this is a very fair summary. Someone's obviously had their weetabix xxxxx

 

[Les1504]

Threads of this nature always end in argument and this is supposed to be a supportive site where you can share ideas and get advice! X

 

[Emily0505]

Perhaps we should all just step away now and leave it be.

That's what I shall be doing anyhoo!

Cheerio ladies

XX

 

[Louise2013]

Perhaps we should all just step away now and leave it be.

That's what I shall be doing anyhoo!

Cheerio ladies

XX

I'm joining you. Fancy a cuppa? x

 

[Mackmummy]

I hardly ever park in p&c spaces as they're always full. In the two years I've been a mother I've never ever had to contemplate leaving my child on the side of the road to get her in the car? I usually park at the top end of the car park across two spaces.

My mum is disabled and quite often has to park in.p&c as there is more of those spaces than disabled where I live! Ive never ever thought bad on her and shame on anyone who would!

Great idea parking over two spaces, but in the car parks in this area you get fined for doing it! And the shopping centre I go to, there isn't really a top end where it's empty, it's really full all the time and with a 4x4 I can't get baby out whether in the seat or not. Happy for disabled people to use the spaces though but I find that's never happened as there are LOADS Of disabled spaces at my local supermarket but only 8 patent spaces! The main thing I try and do is shop on a weekend when hubby is home! Much easier!

 

[Baby2sky]

Wow thats shocking! Ive never been fined but definitely eye.opening that some places can do that!

 

[Louise2013]

I hardly ever park in p&c spaces as they're always full. In the two years I've been a mother I've never ever had to contemplate leaving my child on the side of the road to get her in the car? I usually park at the top end of the car park across two spaces.

My mum is disabled and quite often has to park in.p&c as there is more of those spaces than disabled where I live! Ive never ever thought bad on her and shame on anyone who would!

Great idea parking over two spaces, but in the car parks in this area you get fined for doing it! And the shopping centre I go to, there isn't really a top end where it's empty, it's really full all the time and with a 4x4 I can't get baby out whether in the seat or not. Happy for disabled people to use the spaces though but I find that's never happened as there are LOADS Of disabled spaces at my local supermarket but only 8 patent spaces! The main thing I try and do is shop on a weekend when hubby is home! Much easier!

I know I said I was off now, but the last point is the best solution by far add in a coffee with the girls and it's a positive day off! X

 

[JD.Deedee]

JD, no one has suggested parents can or should park in disabled spaces. Quite the opposite actually, the question was whether disabled drivers should take parent and child spaces.

As for parents with older children, I think the argument is that they use them so their child doesn't fling the door open and scratch the next car. I think if they're young enough to do that, the child lock should be on, so don't really agree with that argument. But as I said earlier, since p&c spaces are only a courtesy, no one can actually stop them from parking there.

"My personal opinion is that she has no right to park here. When the parent and child spaces are full I have to park in a normal space or come back later. I couldn't just leave my car in a disabled bay"

Quoted from the openings post.

And people wonder.. Far too many people don't like being told as it is. Which can be someone's opinion too.

I'm not even going to bother arguing that one.

 

[Mackmummy]

Yeah they fine if you use two spaces, use a disabled bay without a badge or a parent and child space if you have no child or your child is over 12 years old! I wonder what they would do if a disabled person used a parent space then? That would be harsh if they had no where else to park and they got fined!