You are parked in a space clearly designated for disabled persons

[wheelinround]

You are parked in a space clearly designated for disabled persons. Please circle the statement which best describes your handicap : 1 - I don't read good.
2 - I suffer from terminal laziness.
3 - I have Attention Deficit Disorder. Huh?
4 - My inner child was bugging me for ice cream.
5 - My shoes are too expensive to walk in.
6 - Wheelchair symbol? I thought it was a rocking chair!
7 - My religion forbids acts of common courtesy.
8 - I ignore OTHER laws, why not this one?
9 -I AM disabled... by a painfully swollen ego.

[echnidna]

10. I knew you wanted to park here - see I beat ya!

[dennford]

I don't have a disabled parking permit - even when I had a hip replacement and was asked to apply, I refused. However they are there for people who really are disabled and I only wish that the local authorities would come down on those that park illegaly.

In my observations - which may or may not be indicative of general behaviour, I believe that the biggest problem is unfortunately those people who should know better. That is Spouses, friends etc of a disabled person who use the permit as thier own, using it when the holder is not travelling with them. Don't they realise that the permit holder is the one who will suffer?


Denn

[Pusser]

Sometime ago I heard and interview on the ABC local channel an interview with a policeman from the UK. The story was that in one county in the UK they decided that anyone so anti social as to park in a disabled persons parking place was probably capable of other anti social behaviour. Checking on the owners of the cars they found several wanted persons and persons who had other outstanding infringements. They claimed the population contained a significantly higher proportion of villains (major and minor) than the normal population. Apparntly the practice of double checking spread. Ever since I heard it I have wondered about the cars parked in those spots.

[dazzler]

11. I am actively fighting against discrimination by making disabled people just like everyone else :? :wink:

[wheelinround]

11. I am actively fighting against discrimination by making disabled people just like everyone else :? :wink:

you know this makes more sense then you may realize I have always advocated that if spaces were all made wider there would be no need for special parking
I ask the question also why do mother with prams need special parking also.

[silentC]

even when I had a hip replacement and was asked to apply, I refused
It's a shame more people didn't think that way. I don't know how hard or easy it is to qualify, but there seem to be a lot of disabled people in our area who manage to play bowls and golf OK.

[macca2]

It's a shame more people didn't think that way. I don't know how hard or easy it is to qualify, but there seem to be a lot of disabled people in our area who manage to play bowls and golf OK.


In WA you need a doctor to fill out part of the application form stating your need for the Accrod sticker. I assume it is the same for the rest of Australia.

wheelin is correct when he says it is the width of the bay that is crucial. I have a roof mounted chair hoist and need the car door to open full width to unload. The distance from the shop entrance is not a big deal for me.

macca

[silentC]

Therein lies the problem.

For example, my MIL was able to get a sticker after a failed hip operation left her with a loss of feeling in one foot. This made it difficult for her to walk long distances, so because the disabled spots are usually close to the shop entrance or whatever, it saved her the discomfort of the longer walk. However I wonder how many times people like her were parked in a spot when someone who needed the room to move wanted to park.

I suppose I'm a bit harsh but I think that those spots should be reserved for people who have a practical need for them, rather than just to make things more convenient for people who have a bit of trouble walking.

BTW she has made a full recovery and now walks around with a walking stick.

[jerryc]

I like the UK solution posted by Pusser. In this world unfortunately justice is not common.
I have a totally rebuilt heart. New aortic valve, systolic valve rebuilt and a hole repaired. Spent six months in hospital with blood poisoning and so was a trifle weak when I came back to the world. I have never had a disabled sticker because my attitude was to get back to fitness but I have to say the selfish attitude of some is hard to bear.

What did amuse me was a trip to see a specialist a few days ago. The patients have to park where they can but the doctors parking is right outside the private hospital entrance. Obviously they do it for the good of the patients like me who need the exercise and in their noble self sacrifice are willing to risk health problems themselves.

[Vernonv]

What did amuse me was a trip to see a specialist a few days ago. The patients have to park where they can but the doctors parking is right outside the private hospital entrance. Obviously they do it for the good of the patients like me who need the exercise and in their noble self sacrifice are willing to risk health problems themselves.

Valid point ... but there's generally a flip side to these things ... what if you were in hospital with an urgent medical condition, waiting for the doctor to arrive, while said doctor was driving around looking for a parking spot?:D

I'm not a doctor, but I must say I do appreciate a car parking spot close to work.:2tsup:

[Bleedin Thumb]

I drive a Range Rover and as the panels are aluminium and dent easy I have to park in the disabled spots to keep my car looking good.

Trouble is those disabled people can get a bit narky sometimes...its a bit disconcerting as you walk away to hear the scratching sound of a key across Duco.:D

[Gingermick]

Gingerchick actually pulled up in one this morning while I was outside working waiting for her to drop something off when the bloke in my office in a wheel chair arrived.
Wheelin, parking spaces aren't made wider because you fit less in. Councils require parking conditions be met by new developers (according to AS something or other) and if the space were wider, they would need more roadway or land for their development.
I park my motorcycle near the rubbish bins at the side of the office.:)

[jerryc]

vernon,
Point I didn't make clear was that this area was for the doctors' rooms, not the medical hospital. Other point was the position was right outside the entrance. Even one row back would make a difference for some patients.
Though to be fair if you displayed a disabled sticker you could park a little closer. I did say I found the situation amusing but feel there is just a suspicion of status. Or am I being cynical?
Jerry

[chrisp]

The story was that in one county in the UK they decided that anyone so anti social as to park in a disabled persons parking place was probably capable of other anti social behaviour. Checking on the owners of the cars they found several wanted persons and persons who had other outstanding infringements.

Also, I seem to recall recently on one of those "reality" cop shows, that driving at night without headlights on is also a give-away that the driver is likely to be over the (alcohol) limit.

[wheelinround]

wheelin is correct when he says it is the width of the bay that is crucial. I have a roof mounted chair hoist and need the car door to open full width to unload. The distance from the shop entrance is not a big deal for me.

maccaSaw a real stupid situation some time long before using the wheelchair myself, a fellow with roof mounted type pulled up while sorting himself out getting ready to drop the chair down he hadn't checked:doh: what was a blank space when he pulled in. Imagine his horror when CRUNCH SMASH his wheelchair came down on top of the Porsche side window. The other fellow had parked in a disabled zone to do a quick errand but pulled in to close, he called the cops etc etc guess who got booked for parking where he did.
:D

Same here Macca DR's sign off, trouble is not all disabilities are visible ones.



I drive a Range Rover and as the panels are aluminium and dent easy I have to park in the disabled spots to keep my car looking.

Trouble is those disabled people can get a bit narky sometimes...its a bit disconcerting as you walk away to hear the scratching sound of a key across Duco.:D


BT thats not the sound of keys thats the wheelchair, then again could be a womans hand bag a shopping trolly or even a kid swinging the door wide open.


Wheelin, parking spaces aren't made wider because you fit less in. Councils require parking conditions be met by new developers (according to AS something or other) and if the space were wider, they would need more roadway or land for their development.That I know more spaces bigger $$$ in their pocket, knowing a town planner who went outside to measure cars in the street 80% were small as a Gemini thats what they determined the space for a new shopping centre on a few years back anyone owning a mid to large family car couldn't park let alone get out.

There is the train of thought that if people are comfortable they will visit more spend more and even come back developers and planners haven't come around to this yet.

It doesn't faze me a lot if there are no disabled spaces what fazes me is that where councils place the ramps to get to the foot paths :o:doh: right in front of or in the middle of where the vehicle is :doh: now these are intelligent people who do this aren't they:?:rolleyes: .

Then you get this a state government who's handing money to cab companies who run disabled cabs. http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Bonus-payments-for-taxi-wheelchair-fares/2007/11/16/1194766905157.html

I don't use them.

Green Cabs owned by Macquarie Bank which are ALL disabled cabs wonder what deal has just been done there eh.:rolleyes:

[Tonyz]

Sometime ago I heard and interview on the ABC local channel an interview with a policeman from the UK. The story was that in one county in the UK they decided that anyone so anti social as to park in a disabled persons parking place was probably capable of other anti social behaviour. Checking on the owners of the cars they found several wanted persons and persons who had other outstanding infringements. They claimed the population contained a significantly higher proportion of villains (major and minor) than the normal population. Apparntly the practice of double checking spread. Ever since I heard it I have wondered about the cars parked in those spots.

They did the same experiment a few years ago in Collonnades Shopping Centre south of Adelaide. The poor cops just about bust their guts with so much catching, apprehending and paperwork that they gave it the slip after only 1 week. true story.

[astrid]

how many people bother or care enough to totally embarrass these selfish btds
my 10 yo has a leg brace and although i dont need to use a disabled spot often, there are times after an op that i need to park in a disabled spot.
I dont have a permit because by the time the ap is processed I dont need it anymore.
I just write a note and pin it with the wiper and trust to the humanity of the inspector.
on occaision I either accost the parker or leave a pithily worded note.
accosting them is best, especially in a busy shopping centre.

astrid

[pawnhead]

I'm surprised that no one has actually mentioned the most common reason that you'd be parked in a disabled spot.

12. You've legitimately got a sticker and you have a right to park there. :wink:

The disabled spots at my local supermarket are usually mostly empty except for the odd car with a sticker. And yes I do check as I walk past, and no I never parked there myself when I had a car.
Of course I see the odd one without a sticker, but not so often, and there's usually always vacant spaces.

[rgum]

Hang ON!

If I'm partially disabled, should I be driving a car in which I may not be able to demonstrate full control of, thus creating potential danger to many? hmmmmm....me's thinking.

Weak legs, can't turn neck all way round to look behind. Failing reaction time, shaking hands, bung leg, sore hips and back. Many an ailment may keep some from driving.

I'm not there yet

Am I being mean or responsible ? :o

[wheelinround]

Hang ON!

If I'm partially disabled, should I be driving a car in which I may not be able to demonstrate full control of, thus creating potential danger to many? hmmmmm....me's thinking.

Weak legs, can't turn neck all way round to look behind. Failing reaction time, shaking hands, bung leg, sore hips and back. Many an ailment may keep some from driving.

I'm not there yet

Am I being mean or responsible ? :o

Sorry no such thing as partial disability either you have one or don't and all of the above are.



No more no less than the person taking either medicated/prescribed drugs, over the counter drugs or self administered drugs, alcohol or even just generally out of sorts.

As for turning the neck to see behind what of drivers who can do this but due to the vehcile they drive it is of no benifit ie- vans, caravan towed, trucks buses etc.

[pawnhead]

Of course a fully able bodied person may be able to handle a vehicle better under extreme conditions, but the disabled have enough hardships to contend with, without having their mobility further restricted.

If they can display that they can handle a modified vehicle under normal conditions with competence, then there's no reason that they shouldn't be given a license. Likewise with the elderly.

When anyone goes for a driving test, able bodied or not, they don't put any undue pressures on them. They just have to drive normally, at the speed limit, and not make any mistakes.

Good enough. :2tsup:

[jerryc]

I suspect Rgum is playing devil's advocate but I'll answer sensibly.

At one time in UK deafness was considered enough of a disability to stop a person holding a driver's license. Thought was driver couldn't hear warning signals like car horns. Reckon some of today's young bucks with massive sound systems in their cars would be considered disabled under those regs. Ideas of what constitutes disability are not set in stone. A person with no legs can drive a car. If you remember the famous case in the Second World War of Douglas Bader, a Spitfire fighter ace with no legs who still attempted to escape from POW camp you can see individual characteristics also affect whether physical problems are "disability"

What is most disabling is that some applicants who are clearly not suitable to hold a license are allowed to take the test multiple times until they fluke a pass. This type of "driver" is then let loose on the roads. Who then is the most disabled driver?

Jerry

[macca2]

In late 2006 when I felt I was not able to use my legs for driving as I thought I should I went for a driver assessment with an outfit of specialise in this, here in WA.
I was given several test including driving car with hand controls.
I was assessed as capable of driving a modified vehicle.
As soon as this process is in place there is no going back.
Your doctor is asked for an assessment on your condition. This is then referred to the licensing authority (Dept of Planning and Infrustructure) and they pay you a visit and cancel your driving license and issue you with a learners permit which is good for 12 months.
I then took driving lessons from an approved instructor in a modified vehicle. (3 lessons in my case.)
I then sat a driving test with Dept of Planning and Infrustructure which is a standard test of your driving ability. There is no written test.
I passed with out any dramas.
After getting my new license I then had to purchase a suitable vehicle and have it modified by an approved company to hand controls.
This all took about 3 mths but was well worth it as I am now driving far better than I was before starting this little journey, Albeit a little lighter in the pocket.

Macca

[Bleedin Thumb]

Lets not get this discussion confussed with the issue of letting old people drive around.......especially old people driving Volvo's.........:(( and especially the ones that take 2 minutes to park in their parking spaces....back, forward, back, forward, back....

[wheelinround]

Lets not get this discussion confussed with the issue of letting old people drive around.......especially old people driving Volvo's.........:((

why BT you one of them :D

[DavidG]

and especially the ones that take 2 minutes to park in their parking spaces....back, forward, back, forward, back....Seen some young ones doing that and still parking in two bays.

Best one I have ever seen was a young lass going the wrong way round a one way at McDonalds finally parking in a invalid space.

She and her mates got out and walked into Macas.

When she came out I had the misfortune of also leaving at the same time.

She backed out the invalid space and proceeded to go the wrong way again.

I was leaving and we met face to face. She expected me to get out of her way and got out the car to abuse me.

I called her a "Blond" and every one collected around laughed at her.
Talk about a dumbo........

[macca2]

Lets not get this discussion confussed with the issue of letting old people drive around.......especially old people driving Volvo's.........:(( and especially the ones that take 2 minutes to park in their parking spaces....back, forward, back, forward, back....

Oh Bleedin you have me worried now. I may be one of the " old people" driving as well as being a disable driver.
I should have bought a Volvo

Macca

[pawnhead]

If you remember the famous case in the Second World War of Douglas Bader, a Spitfire fighter ace with no legs who still attempted to escape from POW camp,,,, 'Reach for the Sky' was a good movie about old 'tin legs' Bader. :2tsup:

[Bleedin Thumb]

Oh Bleedin you have me worried now. I may be one of the " old people" driving as well as being a disable driver.
I should have bought a Volvo

Macca


It could be worse Macca......you could be an old driver, you could be an old disabled driver, you could be an old, disabled Volvo driver and then you could be and old, disabled, Volvo... woman driver:oo::D:D


Sorry only joking folks...its good to have a laugh at stereotypes:p Im sure that old, disabled, volvo driving woman can drive just as well as me.:B

[Christopha]

If Macca had to drive with a learners permit and "sit" driving tests would it not also be reasonable that folk who apply for disabled parking permits should also be required to be tested on there onroad driving competence before being permitted to keep driving?
My parents both have disabled parking permits and I really don't think they would be able to pass any form of driving test. My Mum is very slow and uncoordinated and my father is a lethal weapon.... I will definitely not ever travel in a car while either drives and hate the fact that even though they both are fully licensed that they may cause a serious accident one day!

[rgum]

Well. Such parking spaces have been created with a purpose. That purpose identifys a need.
I say just don't park in them. :U

[ss_11000]

I say just don't park in them. :U But they're so close to the stores:D:wink:.

[wheelinround]

If Macca had to drive with a learners permit and "sit" driving tests would it not also be reasonable that folk who apply for disabled parking permits should also be required to be tested on there onroad driving competence before being permitted to keep driving?
My parents both have disabled parking permits and I really don't think they would be able to pass any form of driving test. My Mum is very slow and uncoordinated and my father is a lethal weapon.... I will definitely not ever travel in a car while either drives and hate the fact that even though they both are fully licensed that they may cause a serious accident one day!

:?:?

Christopher maybe you should check the laws.

I know in NSW you can have a disabled parking permit and don't have to drive same in any state.

In NSW anyone can make a formal complaint and have someones license revoked on medical, or competency grounds. You can request that your parents be tested.

Whats your feeling on unlicensed drivers who drive and are uninsured.

BT I had forgot I drove a few Volvo's when younger all large vehicles, you best never go to Sweden.

[Bleedin Thumb]

you best never go to Sweden.]




Now thats a scary thought.:oo:

[silentC]

would it not also be reasonable that folk who apply for disabled parking permits should also be required to be tested on there onroad driving competence before being permitted to keep driving?
In the case of my MIL, the parking permit was for her but she wasn't the driver of the car. FIL drives everywhere. I don't think she has driven a car in years.

[wheelinround]

There are also many parents who have disabled kids or carers who have people they drive around and they put their parking pass up.

[pawnhead]

All of Scandinavia, and especially Norway, have the toughest road rules and highest fines in the world. Norway has some incredibly narrow roads around their fjords as well. I once passed a car going the opposite way and we clipped mirrors, smashing mine. There was just no more room on the road and it could have been disastrous if I'd been in a wider car.

There's no way that you'd let my mum behind the wheel either. She hasn't driven for twenty years and she's not the most healthy of people. We just keep her license for ID purposes, but she'll be up for her aged drivers test soon, so we'll just let her license go. She's got no interest in driving and we don't have a car anyway.

[jow104]

Pawnhead, we have thousands of miles of roads in the UK where two cars going in opposite directions cannot pass.
Some of our drivers cannot reverse their cars either, which is needed. One driver has to reverse back to a passing space. I will leave you to imagine the situation when two drivers are unskilled in reversing:roll:

[pawnhead]

Wow, I hope you drive pretty slow on those roads.
In my case I was coming around a bend, and both of us were going too fast to stop. It gave me a bit of a fright and I slowed down after that, especially since there was a bit of a drop to the fjord on one side of the road.
It was over 25 years ago now, and I remember copping a speeding fine (on a wide straight piece of road), and the wallopers told me that they had the highest fines in the world. I didn't quite have enough on me, but they ended up accepting all the travelers cheques that I had. :((

[wheelinround]

Pacific highway and Princess highways used to be that dad many moons ago 12 hr from Sydney to Hawksnest along old Pacific hwy 5 hrs to get from Sydney to Nowra
gee's i am getting old if I can recall that

try Walch to Wauhope rd or Armidale to Coffs through Bellingen or some of the roads throughout Tassie, Snowy Mnts Highway or Cabramurra to Coryong or Orbost Rd to the coast or any of Victoria's snow field rds

The drive up to Mnt Cambawarra still like that worse when two coaches going opposite directions or even Jenolan Caves rd or out to Hill End the hardway through Tuorondale all still like that

Many of NSW back roads love them little traffic no cops.

[Gra]

I ask the question also why do mother with prams need special parking also.

Ever tried to organise a four year old out of one of those harnesses, at the same time keeping the two year old off the road nad find room for a pram at the same time......:U:U:U

Then you know why you need the parents bays.

Back on topic. My father has a disabled sticker, hasn't driven in five years. He knows he cant, still has his license, but refuses to drive. The disabled sticker is so when mum or myself drive him about we can park him close to where we are going and get his wheelchair out and set up.

Even funnier, the silly old bugger still has his motorcyle license, cant stand up or walk by himself but can legally ride a motorcycle.....:no::no:

[wheelinround]

:doh::doh: Had to retype it all hit the X button instead of the minimize didn't I lost the lot.


Yes Gra I have we had 3 18 months apart now all in there late 20's early 30's although my experience was little my wifes was daily.
All were taught out on the foot path side never the road side stand and wait DON'T MOVE no rpam or disabled spots people didn't mind walking or catching public transport.
Now thats what made me get the LOML to get a licence 2 kids getting off a bus carrying a stroller one in her arms plus shopping.

Less shopping centres back then with large parking areas and small parking spaces you could drive a Ford or Holden in open the doors and have room for both vehicle occupants to get out. (Who's to blame who should we sue for loss of life the money grubbers town planners engineers??)

All to often I see parents getting and letting kids out of cars into traffic strollers at the ready forcing cars to either stop or swerve to the wrong side to miss them :doh:
Attitudes from mothers in shopping centres but I was parked in a pram zone why didn't you slow down there are kids about. No chastising of the child who's wondered off she/he was to busy on the mobile phone fixing hair etc etc.

Its like fluro vest wearers all think it makes them superhuman I cant be hit so I'll jump out from behind my hiding palace and they'll stop.

Nice hijacks eh even got into it myself:U


Best special parking place set up is at our local shopping mall local constabulary hop into their patrol cars drive out their drive way in the next drive way park in emergency services to get their lunch pay bills etc etc drive back. Now their parking lot backs onto this shopping centre not only that they drive to Macca's next door through drive through and back.

[Gra]

Yes Gra I have we had 3 18 months apart now all in there late 20's early 30's although my experience was little my wifes was daily.
All were taught out on the foot path side never the road side stand and wait DON'T MOVE

So have mine but kids can still be unpredictable, and any safety measures to reduce the chance of some kid getting run over the better




no rpam or disabled spots people didn't mind walking or catching public transport.
Now thats what made me get the LOML to get a licence 2 kids getting off a bus carrying a stroller one in her arms plus shopping.

Whats public transport... dont exist where I live




Less shopping centres back then with large parking areas and small parking spaces you could drive a Ford or Holden in open the doors and have room for both vehicle occupants to get out. (Who's to blame who should we sue for loss of life the money grubbers town planners engineers??)

There were actually more shopping centres, they were just smaller, and closer to the houses, not the big monstrocities (Misspelt on purpose) that we have now



All to often I see parents getting and letting kids out of cars into traffic strollers at the ready forcing cars to either stop or swerve to the wrong side to miss them
Attitudes from mothers in shopping centres but I was parked in a pram zone why didn't you slow down there are kids about. No chastising of the child who's wondered off she/he was to busy on the mobile phone fixing hair etc etc.

Scary isnt it. they need to be given a quick slap I think... I see it every day



Best special parking place set up is at our local shopping mall local constabulary hop into their patrol cars drive out their drive way in the next drive way park in emergency services to get their lunch pay bills etc etc drive back. Now their parking lot backs onto this shopping centre not only that they drive to Macca's next door through drive through and back.

MMMMM Doughnuts :D:D

[Wild Dingo]

A few years back I blew my cirvical spine at C6 and C7 and was unable to move without a great deal of pain walking was pretty much a nonevent and neck movement was pretty much restricted to straight out in front... actually came very close to being permanently wheelchair bound...

Anyway over time with some great physio and aqua therapy I slowly got on the mend for a few years I was unable to drive PERIOD it just wasnt safe still had my license and kept the car for a while and could have driven but chose not to as I said just plain unsafe and dangerous but as I got better I was advised by the docs and specialists to apply for an acrod thing and change cars... so I got an auto and a wheel thingy and the acrod card... but you know living in Mandurah I think I used it in a disabled parking spot maybe 5 times in the years I had it... why? cause there was ALWAYS some mongrel buggar parked in there WITHOUT a sticker!! either that or they were that disabled they couldnt get out of the damned car... I dont know how many flamin times Id go to park and thered be some wally sittin back in a disabled parking bay havin a smoke with no blasted sticker

Now Im not one to shy away so I more often than not would eventually find a parking spot and make my way back to have a go at the wally smokin in the bay their excuse? generally speaking "oh no worries mate Im just waitin for the missus she'll be back in a tick" or else it was biligerent along the lines of "WHO THE F.... MADE YOU THE F.....ING DISABLED POLICE?" "HOW DO YOU KNOW IM NOT DISABLED?" well I dont but hey if you are and you want to park there GET THE RUDDY STICKER! :~

WARNING

RANT MODE ON!

my view is when we stop caring about the "less fortunate" the "less able" within our society and allow the mongrels to take control and do as they please without standing up for them then our society is stuffed and we as a people are part of the problems contributing to it.

It gets me that we allow people to hurt maim injure or take from in anywaythose less able to defend themselves and do nothing say nothing... just turn away... theory being "I better not say or do anything I might be a witness or I might get hurt" ...never mind that someones getting their head kicked in never mind someones unable to walk to the shops never mind that some are disabled to a degree that they NEED that extra room just to get bloody well out of their car never mind that some are elderly and need to be given time an space to be able to be independent... some people just do what they like when they like to who they like.

I believe we all have the obligation if we see something WRONG to do something to change it!... even a note on their bloody windscreen is better than doing nothing!... arrogance and abuse are the two worst contributors to the increase in violence and abuse of the "less fortunate" "less able" and the elderly within our society... but when we who are able who are fortunate do nothing when we see it and do nothing then we are as bad as the ones who do it.

I no longer need or have my acrod sticker... even with me new ubeaut bung knees Im fitter and more able than those deemed to require on... so I no longer have it. And good on me! but they are designed for a reason... if you dont have one dont use the damned bays! if you need one get one its not as difficult as some would have one believe and if you need it so what if it is?

Is it our place to question someone parking in a disabled parking bay without a sticker? YES IT IS!!... just as its our place to stand up and help someone being kicked the shyte out of by a mob of flamin mongrels! yes we will probably get hurt but we may just buy the other poor buggar the time for help to arrive or stand back up and help themselves!... remember these mongrels are gutless and when confronted by determined adults tend to back down... and hell if they dont we almost all have mobiles dont we? Police 000 Crimestoppers 1800 333 000 find your local police stations phone number and put them on speed dial and call them!! shyte it doesnt take much to help people.

Personally whenever Ive confronted some wally in the disabled bay they have moved on without too much drama and if not... well security is usually just inside the entrance somewhere... and yes I have no bloody hessitation whatever in dobbing some of these mongrels in to the authorities NONE WHATEVER!

By doing nothing when we see injustice and wrong doing we contribute to that injustice and wrong doing... we are as much a part of the problems of our society as the mongrels that perpetrate them.

RANT OFF

[DavidG]

:iagree:

[wheelinround]

The RTA used to give you a couple of signs to place on car windows of those who parked and didn't have the cards.
"Being Lazy Isn't a Disability" the other I can't recall they stopped them as one fellow got bashed hospitalized and nearly died by some mongrel.

[Ashore]

Disabled drivers always winging about non-disabled using their parking places well I had a blue with one of them disabled drivers today , he was trying to park in one of our spots , :rolleyes:

[pawnhead]

A while ago in my supermarket car park, I'd see big stickers on the side windows of cars that were parked where they shouldn't be. They basically said 'You're a naughty boy', and they looked like they would be pretty hard to remove. I'd imagine that if the drivers had an accident from lack of visibility, they may be able to sue. I'm sure that if it were in the US they'd try.

What's the story with issuing fines for illegal use of disabled spaces on private property? Warringah Mall is huge, it's all private property, and there's disabled spaces peppered all over the place.

[wheelinround]

Disabled drivers always winging about non-disabled using their parking places well I had a blue with one of them disabled drivers today , he was trying to park in one of our spots , :rolleyes:

:D:p Well done Ashmore




A while ago in my supermarket car park, I'd see big stickers on the side windows of cars that were parked where they shouldn't be. They basically said 'You're a naughty boy', and they looked like they would be pretty hard to remove. I'd imagine that if the drivers had an accident from lack of visibility, they may be able to sue. I'm sure that if it were in the US they'd try.

A MUNGREL TO REMOVE

What's the story with issuing fines for illegal use of disabled spaces on private property? Warringah Mall is huge, it's all private property, and there's disabled spaces peppered all over the place.

Local councils rangers are supposed to issue fines police rearly get involved these days.

[dsquire]

I could apply for a Handicaped Parking Permit due to my breathing problem but I refuse to as long as I can get along without it.

I watch the cars parked in the handicaped spots and when I see one there without the sticker I go up to them and ask them if they are practising to be handicaped? Most times this will shame them into moving and if it dosen't, I don't hesitate to report them to security or police. Here in Ontario, Canada it is a $200.00 fine for parking in a handicaped spot.

Cheers

Don

[woodwork wally]

Heyn Im a Wally I think you had better pick another name cos I got one of them acrod -disabled thingeys and I be the poor bugger always driving past the full ones. One clown A pig farmer with a trailer on and picking up bread at local baker that I challenged pointed to his sticker. obviously one for his wife who wasn't in attendance and couldn't have got in anyway . I gave him a serve and was greeted with a single finger salute and told to F@#* off with an italian accent He wasn't coming any closer once I turned the stick around So this Wally thinks ma'be something like Gringo . We copped it in the Wally with water and now Wally parkers Sorry but that grates Wally

[Tonka]

Pusser's article about the UK situation is similar to New York when it was under Rudi Guiliani, they found that people who ran red lights, stop signs & parked in handicap spaces were more likely to be crims than not.
Many had unpaid fines, outstanding warrants and stolen goods , drugs etc in the car.
On the the disabled parking spaces, I know they are placed closer to the entrances of shopping centers, but I often wonder how far far those people then travel inside the shopping center, some of these new places are huge !

[jow104]

Tonka, needed parking space can come into the reckoning.

Distance is also a consideration, but wheel chairs are quite often provided for customers inside those huge places.

[Frank&Earnest]

All human behaviour is complex and can not be neatly put in boxes with a label on it. I did once put my car in a space marked for the disabled. It was the first time I had to see a medical specialist and I had enquired about parking. The receptionist said that it was difficult, (the doctor's office was in a building with other professionals) but that there was at the very end of the small private carpark under the building, where you had to know it was there, a spot that was marked for the disabled to ensure that there would be a bay available for the doctor's patients. Maybe she was mislead herself of just tried too hard to be helpful, I do not know; the result was that I parked there and had a tyre let down.

Maybe I was just unlucky that a genuinely disabled and vindictive person had arrived to meet some other professional, but I like to think that it was just an idiot who had a grudge with somebody and was too stupid to realise that occupying the bay for the time needed to call the RAA and get the tyre replaced was more detrimental to the disabled than the time I was there. Or somebody had cottoned on with the well intentioned deception of the tenants of the building and expressed their disapproval. Who knows.

[Bleedin Thumb]

.

Maybe I was just unlucky that a genuinely disabled and vindictive person


Jeez you were lucky mate!

Just a flat tyre..................crickey you should be glad that they didn't wait for you to come back !

:D

[AlexS]

When I rode a small motorbike, I used to get P'd off when motorists would move it out aof a legal parking spot so they could park there. I used to retaliate by leaving a note to say that I'd loosened the nuts on one wheel. They should try to guess which one.

[astrid]

Yesterday Sob in landcruiser, parked in d spot outside video store.
I drove round block couple of times until the peson behind him moved.
I got out, and driver was chatting mobile.

I pointed to my sons brace and he mouthed "Icant hear you"
I tapped on window' he waved me away.
So I parked him in and went shopping!

PS my cars pretty old

Astrid

[Groggy]

How do you know there wasn't a disabled MIL, FIL, wife, daughter or son in the video store? I used to quite often take my mother to the store when she was still alive.

[echnidna]

then you are supposed to display the disabled parking permit on your car

[astrid]

and the driver could have explained that without being arrogant and rude.
astrid

and probably would have

[Groggy]

and the driver could have explained that without being arrogant and rude.
astrid

and probably would haveOh, well, you didn't say that. You said he was on the phone and waved you away.


then you are supposed to display the disabled parking permit on your carYou are right of course. But that's interesting isn't it. It means you have to have a permit and a disability, not just a disability, or a person with a disability with you. I guess you have to drop them off and go park elsewhere. Or does even dropping them off get you fined? Confusing.

[jow104]

Those permits are funny things in Oz.
If you live in Victoria and are staying in N.S.W. for a few months is your Victorian permit valid?

[ernknot]

Guys, give it a rest.

[astrid]

Actually groggy, i dont have a permit,
by the time it takes to get one my son is usually over his OPs and able to hobble 50 metres or so!
But after having a steel rod inserted and 10 to 30 stitches, his leg is somtimes a little sore so i use the disabled spots and put my own sticker on the car,
the inspectors are usually pretty reasonable about it.
After all, 4 ops in 5 years is a bit stiff even for the toughest disabled child.

ASTRI:~D

[macca2]

Actually groggy, i dont have a permit,
by the time it takes to get one my son is usually over his OPs and able to hobble 50 metres or so!
But after having a steel rod inserted and 10 to 30 stitches, his leg is somtimes a little sore so i use the disabled spots and put my own sticker on the car,
the inspectors are usually pretty reasonable about it.
After all, 4 ops in 5 years is a bit stiff even for the toughest disabled child.

ASTRI:~D

4 operations in 5 years. How many more to go. Apply for a sticker and save your self the hassles.

Macca

[robyn2839]

Disabled drivers always winging about non-disabled using their parking places well I had a blue with one of them disabled drivers today , he was trying to park in one of our spots , :rolleyes:
i agree ,i have very bad knees,and find it hard to walk ,so when i finally get to the shops i see these so called disabled drivers jump out of their cars,run to shops, or carry loads to shops,mustn,t be real hard to get a sticker,i see them at home parking their gofers in able bodied car parks as a protest,while the disabled has no one in them,and how many times do you drive around the hospital car park looking for a park when all the disabled parks are vacant?.make them compete as we do.bob

[peter_sm]

I ask the question also why do mother with prams need special parking also.

My missus was at the shopping centre, being a mum with baby and pram, she used the spot available. As she drive a VW Beetle, she had to get out to get the pram out from under the 'bonnet'.

Before she could even open the front hood, a lady came up and proceeded to harrass her as to where her baby was. My missus replied. "Duh, he is in the car, look for yourself"

The lady then said "Well where is your pram then?" So my missus opens the hood, presents the pram, and then said some things that would have made a wharfie blush.

[tea lady]

Yer! Don't mess with anyone with sleep deprivation. Two with sleep deprivation- might need a bucket of water, or a bucket of coffee.

I really appreciated those mums with bubs spots when mine was a bub. Wasn't so much the spot close to the shops that I needed. Just a spot I didn't need to look for for too long with a crying baby in the car!

[ssgt]

having followed this thread since its begining I cant restrain myself any longer.
My daughter is severly disabled and we have an acrod sticker, I am also rated as 95% disabled by veterans affairs but i refuse to use the acrod bay while i can still walk. Any one who parks in an acrod bay and does not have a permit shouldnt be there simple as that. If you have a need as a carer then use the individuals permit thats what its for.
Over the last week while sit and watch my daughter slowly die in intrensive care in PMH in Perth i was walking getting some fresh air and the same problem, able bodied persons parking in disabled bay, when challenged visiting a friends sick child. I challenged the driver and was told to eff off, I am not proud of my response but it released some of my pent up anger and he apologised and moved his veh.
I have ,like wheeling around and other disabled forumites, have probably heard all the excuses but I belive the fines need to be larger, the parking inspectors need to be more active and the ratio of allocation of disabled parking needs to be increased.
If I have affended any one on this forum then I am sorry about that, but live in a wheelchair for a period of time then comment. Rant Off

ssgt

[wheelinround]

ssgt My heart goes out to you at this time and your daughter

[tea lady]

ssgt. What he said. I can't imagine how I would get through something like that. Rant away on this forum if it helps. (Does something like a RANT LICENCE exhist for these sort of circumstances? It should. )

[bille]

Graham Edwards who lost his legs in Veitnam and later became an Australian Politician had a card he used to leave under the wiper of cars parked in Disabled bays that didn't display a ACROD pass on the dash, the card said words to the effect.....

You've got my parking space do you want my disability??

[Toolin Around]

You are parked in a space clearly designated for disabled persons. Please circle the statement which best describes your handicap : 1 - I don't read good.
2 - I suffer from terminal laziness.
3 - I have Attention Deficit Disorder. Huh?
4 - My inner child was bugging me for ice cream.
5 - My shoes are too expensive to walk in.
6 - Wheelchair symbol? I thought it was a rocking chair!
7 - My religion forbids acts of common courtesy.
8 - I ignore OTHER laws, why not this one?
9 -I AM disabled... by a painfully swollen ego.


I'm late on this one but... None apply to me as I wouldn't be found parked in a disabled persons spot - nough said.

[wayfarer]

In NSW disabled stickers also get you free un-timed parking in metered or time restricted parking. This means you can park almost where you please and pay nothing for as long as you need. There are some restrictions but basically it's the majority of available spaces.
I don't pretend to understand the justification for that. Disabled spaces, yes, but park anywhere for free? Hmmm... can't the disabled pay parking meters like the rest of us? It doesn't bother me as I figure if you have reduced mobility then you probably could do with a helping hand.

But....

People abuse it. People who are obviously not disabled use the permits to grab prime city parking outside their offices. Arrogant ^&*%s. You see them jump out of their cars in business suits and brief cases, dash across the road and into office blocks. I kid you not; there are whole streets lined with permit carrying cars. There must be so many poor old mums & dads in nursing homes whose sons and daughters "borrow" their permits.

In New South Wales you can report a parking cheat via telephone or email

RTA link for mobility parking cheats (http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/rulesregulations/mobilityparking/index.html)

Phone 1300 884 899

I plugged that into my mobile phone. I know it's not right to dob but it's worse than what those arrogant pigs are doing.

As far as parents with prams... it's pretty dangerous in busy car parks trying to juggle little-ones in and out of cars. Especially if bubs has an older sibling. You need more room to manage the pram PLUS a shorter route through the carpark reduces the likelyhood of young miss running behind a reversing car.

The other one is "seniors parking". All good in my books.

But the "Express Parking" bays??? Like, who skips an "Express Parking" bay? We're all in a hurry.. that's what "express" means, doesn't it? :D :D

[AV Elec]

You are parked in a space clearly designated for disabled persons. Please circle the statement which best describes your handicap : 1 - I don't read good.
2 - I suffer from terminal laziness.
3 - I have Attention Deficit Disorder. Huh?
4 - My inner child was bugging me for ice cream.
5 - My shoes are too expensive to walk in.
6 - Wheelchair symbol? I thought it was a rocking chair!
7 - My religion forbids acts of common courtesy.
8 - I ignore OTHER laws, why not this one?
9 -I AM disabled... by a painfully swollen ego.


If someone made a sticker with the above words (preferably like those ones which go on unregistered cars which are hard to remove) I would buy a dozen :2tsup:

BTW I am able bodied. It does annoy me to see some yuppie in a sportscar taking one of those spaces.

[Pheonix]

My wife and I both have disabled stickers for our cars ,I have trouble walking more than about 100 yards ,my wife has ankle problems and is about to go in for double knee replecement.
Had one smart ???? make a smart remark to my wife to which I replied "I've got something in my boot that will turn you handicapped in about thirty seconds if you want to try it",bastard lowered his head and walked off like a mongret dog,mind you I am 125 kg and 6' tall.

[bille]

:D:p Well done Ashmore




Local councils rangers are supposed to issue fines police rearly get involved these days.


Some years ago we had permission from shopping center managment in Midland, Western Australia to park in a disabled bay while we had service people on a job at the center, we copped a fine from the council ranger even though the center management wrote to the council confirming we had management permission.

Good news is the management paid the fine.

Now a lot of Perth center's have seniors bays close by the disabled bays, I note that the majority of drivers (Under senior age group) respect the signs and don't park there.

[wheelinround]

Some years ago we had permission from shopping center managment in Midland, Western Australia to park in a disabled bay while we had service people on a job at the center, we copped a fine from the council ranger even though the center management wrote to the council confirming we had management permission.

Good news is the management paid the fine.

Now a lot of Perth center's have seniors bays close by the disabled bays, I note that the majority of drivers (Under senior age group) respect the signs and don't park there.

Well just goes to show the respect that the management had and the intelligence :doh: thought he was above the law. Yet if he'd put more thought into it he could have held a few bays of normal parking over without any problems.

[bille]

In Perth, a short time back there was a bit of a citizens blitz on this with people taking photos of the offending vehicles and emailing them to a Columnist in the West Australian who featured them in his column, Rego and all - They were usually luxury cars and with the bloody driver often taking up 2 spaces so they wouldn't have someone parked either side.

I have a bit to do with Wheelies and I'm sensitive to their requirements and always make a point of saying something to the driver if they don't display a valid permit, most just ignore me, get abusive or say they will only be a minute - You can tell they know they are doing the wrong thing.

[jow104]

In my younger days on the road I always used to have a tube of super glue in the car. :;

[Johncs]

I ask the question also why do mother with prams need special parking also.

Have you tried handling two or three toddlers with attendant wheels?

The arrival of our twins meant we had three under two (briefly). The eldest had a frog plaster (treatment for dislocated hip) until the arrival of the twins, then a splint across her legs for quite a while after.

We didn't think of a parking for disabled permit, but it would have been handy. Between two strollers and one tricycle there was some kit to get out and ready!


Dad used Mum's for years, he didn't see the point of getting a second.

[jow104]

parking for mums,

If you parked next to a car in a UK carpark and the kids opened their car door you would know why there are special parking places.
The kids just throw open their door regardless of if there is enough space

[ssgt]

Have you ever tried to unload a electric wheel chair from a side or rear hoist in a standardard carpark. it dosnt matter what the reason the disabled space is for those with issued permits, no permit dont use, go to the dr and get one if necessary, it really is that simple. I have put up with idots and their excuses for 17 years.
ssgt

[kiwigeo]

Was sitting with some friends in my favourite cafe a few years back when we spotted a car pull into a handicapped parking space across the road and an able bodied driver jump out and run into a nearby shop. One of my mates noticed a mobile phone number emblazoned on the side of the car so we decided to ring the guy up and ask him why he'd chosen to park his car in the handicapped space. The guy came out of the shop with his phone to his ear and looking around to see who the hell was making the call before sheepishly slinking back to his car and driving off.

Sorry to hear about your daughter passing away ssgt......ranting perfectly acceptable under the circumstances.

[ElizaLeahy]

I ask the question also why do mother with prams need special parking also.

You obviously have never been a mum with a pram, and perhaps another child or two in tow!

[wheelinround]

I am the father of 3 grandfather/pop of 2 and was a bus driver for many years ferrying kids from toddlers to UNI age guess which ones had less safety sense.

Thursday while shopping for a mattress at Mega Centre Orange Grove not 1 delivery truck but 5 all using the disabled parking bays got one fellow to move he was taking up 2 bays moved to the other side disabled parking bay :doh:

[Calm]

Have you noticed how everyone needs/must park in the closest one not the most practical place.

Why not park back a couple of rows where there is more room and have a spare bay to use.

Disabled people need it close to the door as they have trouble with distance - with a pram the exercise mightn't kill you (might even do you good - wear the edge off the kids before you get inside)

The extra room could save the dents in the car as well. As for kids opening doors onto other cars, If you know it happens you could tell them to be careful.

RANT COMING - in fact you have mentioned it so you know what to expect and i always thought it was part of parenting to give some disapline and teach your kids to do it the right way not just say to the car owner "sorry you know what kids are like" or even worse just drive off and not mention it. Be a parent and remind the kids to be careful every time you park the car - its not hard - ITS YOUR JOB as a parent - you dont let them run straight out in front of traffic at pedestrian lights and just say "you know what kids are like", when they are under a moving car, so why not when parking ( oh i forgot its not your car they dent:doh:)

rant over

exercise never killed anyone.

Cheers

[Woodwould]

Have you noticed how everyone needs/must park in the closest one not the most practical place.

Why not park back a couple of rows where there is more room and have a spare bay to use.

Disabled people need it close to the door as they have trouble with distance - with a pram the exercise mightn't kill you (might even do you good - wear the edge off the kids before you get inside)

The extra room could save the dents in the car as well. As for kids opening doors onto other cars, If you know it happens you could tell them to be careful.

RANT COMING - in fact you have mentioned it so you know what to expect and i always thought it was part of parenting to give some disapline and teach your kids to do it the right way not just say to the car owner "sorry you know what kids are like" or even worse just drive off and not mention it. Be a parent and remind the kids to be careful every time you park the car - its not hard - ITS YOUR JOB as a parent - you dont let them run straight out in front of traffic at pedestrian lights and just say "you know what kids are like", when they are under a moving car, so why not when parking ( oh i forgot its not your car they dent:doh:)

rant over

exercise never killed anyone.

Cheers

Your best post to date! Have a greenie!

[jow104]

Myself I am quite happy to park a fair distance from a shop entrance and I park down the centre line usually taking up two spaces, it does avoid dents and dings from those kids opening up their doors without consideration.

My complaint these days are the large 4by4s parking next to you and then unable to see traffic myself when wanting to get out of a parking space. I think they should be banned from parking next to a saloon car.

[Gra]

RANT COMING - in fact you have mentioned it so you know what to expect and i always thought it was part of parenting to give some disapline and teach your kids to do it the right way not just say to the car owner "sorry you know what kids are like" or even worse just drive off and not mention it. Be a parent and remind the kids to be careful every time you park the car - its not hard - ITS YOUR JOB as a parent - you dont let them run straight out in front of traffic at pedestrian lights and just say "you know what kids are like", when they are under a moving car, so why not when parking ( oh i forgot its not your car they dent:doh:)

I always thought the extra space in the "parents with prams" parks, was room to allow the parent to assemble the pram in a safe area. (Have you tried to assemble some of those things:oo:) Having had to assemble a pram in the middle (an exaggeration, but you know what I mean) of the road myself and almost being hit by cars travelling around looking for parks. I congratulate the addition They are also close to the door so the kids don't have to be walked so far through the carpark (That You will probably find is the shop covering their unreasonable insurance risk, the old CYA)