Misuse of Disabled parking badges!

freshpopcorn

Every so often we get a thread about people parking in disabled spaces with out a badge and they are called every name under the sun/etc.
I was watching crimecall a few months ago and the odd time on Twitter the Gardai often come across people using these badge who have no disability. They are basically given them by friends/family to park where ever they want.
When I went to college a girl nearly always had her mothers badge so she could park at the door.
So, what do people think of this and do they think the badges should be be revoked?
I think in a lot of circumstances they should be for a period of time.

Lollipops23

There are so many disabilities that are not "obvious" to the naked eye, it's going to be very hard to enforce.

Atlantic Dawn

The person who gave them the badge should be banned for life from ever getting another and the car should be turned in to a cube.

freshpopcorn

Lollipops23 wrote: »

There are so many disabilities that are not "obvious" to the naked eye, it's going to be very hard to enforce.

Putting a photo on the badge of the person who's meant to be travelling in the vehicle at the time would help!

murpho999

Lollipops23 wrote: »

There are so many disabilities that are not "obvious" to the naked eye, it's going to be very hard to enforce.

How hard would it be?

Does the disc contain the persons name? Can't the driver be challenged to identify himself as the owner of the disc?

CoconutSky

The badge contains the persons name and photo so if asked to identify yourself, it can be enforced that way.

Del2005

freshpopcorn wrote: »

Putting a photo on the badge of the person who's meant to be travelling in the vehicle at the time would help!

Sometimes the non disabled person might be parking up to collect the badge holder, or they might have dropped them off and are returning to the car without the badge holder. How do you differentiate between this and someone incorrectly using the badge?

freshpopcorn

Del2005 wrote: »

Sometimes the non disabled person might be parking up to collect the badge holder, or they might have dropped them off and are returning to the car without the badge holder. How do you differentiate between this and someone incorrectly using the badge?

From what I remember from crimeall Gardai all ready do this at the moment by phoning the owner of the permit! I think they get the number of disabled badges Ireland(not correct name).
CCTV could also be checked.
Stings in known hot spots.

Dravokivich

freshpopcorn wrote: »

Putting a photo on the badge of the person who's meant to be travelling in the vehicle at the time would help!

There is a photo, it's on the other side of the permit.

freshpopcorn wrote: »

From what I remember from crimeall Gardai all ready do this at the moment by phoning the owner of the permit! I think they get the number of disabled badges Ireland(not correct name).
CCTV could also be checked.
Stings in known hot spots.

I'd expect they call the DSP. Inspectors on Irish Rail and Dublin Bus, used to contact DSP regularly with the old cardboard travel passes to verify the cardholder.

endacl

I used to use a friend’s when I was going to get stuff for him. I’d never use a disabled space, but the badge meant I didn’t have to pay for parking when I was popping round various shops.

Naughty, I know....

AryaStark

freshpopcorn wrote: »

Putting a photo on the badge of the person who's meant to be travelling in the vehicle at the time would help!

There is a photo of the disabled person on the badge. My Mam has one ... the picture is on the back of the card... when it is scanned in by the police or traffic warden they get the information.

I also think it should be inforced better, but for me its the people who don't even have a badge and park in the spots that should be sorted first. It happens quite a bit.

Del2005

AryaStark wrote: »

There is a photo of the disabled person on the badge. My Mam has one ... the picture is on the back of the card... when it is scanned in by the police or traffic warden they get the information.

I also think it should be inforced better, but for me its the people who don't even have a badge and park in the spots that should be sorted first. It happens quite a bit.

I don't know. If someone is giving their badge away it's a bigger issue as they know how necessary it is but are allowing a non disabled driver take the space from someone who needs it. There already are penalties for no badge, but like motoring offences they are not regularly enforced. Both no badge or someone else's badge should be tackled together..

nice_guy80

why is there a higher 'diagnosis' of disability in Ireland than in almost any other western country?

cause there are a lot of people who want to be entitled to something that they shouldn't be, maybe?

Knine

There is a number on each Permit. If you suspect fraud you can report the user. I have one for my daughter. I am much more pissed off at people parking in these bays with no permit. This is by far the most common problem I come across.

runawaybishop

Operation enable is still running, if you read the garda twitter thread you will often see people getting done for parking in disabled bays without a permit.

https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationEnable?src=hash

e.g

Tralee Garda: Car discovered parked in disabled bay displaying disabled parking permit issued to elderly relative. Elderly relative at home.

Court summons issued for fraudulent use.

and

Driver stopped in disabled bay with expired parking permit
‘belonging to a friend’. Permit seized, Court to follow.

Driver using relative’s disabled permit for ‘handy parking’ near workplace. Parking for Court may not be quite so handy!

etcetc

Sue Pa Key Pa

endacl wrote: »

I used to use a friend’s when I was going to get stuff for him. I’d never use a disabled space, but the badge meant I didn’t have to pay for parking when I was popping round various shops.

Naughty, I know....

That's not naughty, that's disgraceful.

Mrs OBumble

nice_guy80 wrote: »

why is there a higher 'diagnosis' of disability in Ireland than in almost any other western country?

Inbreeding.

It also causes the intellectual impairment which causes people to give their badges away.

Capt'n Midnight

The simple solution is to make them eligible.

Fann Linn

The DDA could also help address this problem by changing the colour of the disc every couple of years. From the 'time of the flood' these badges have been blue and the amount of faded and blurred discs thrown up on dashboards is something else.

vmb

nice_guy80 wrote: »

why is there a higher 'diagnosis' of disability in Ireland than in almost any other western country?

cause there are a lot of people who want to be entitled to something that they shouldn't be, maybe?

It's too sad to read things like this in 2018...

It's actually very difficult to get one of these cards even if you have big disabilities and mobility problems like a MS patient could have. You usually have to be blind or unable to walk at all. It's not enough to have mobility problems.

And of course, it's impossible to fake those symptoms.

To link the wheelchair symbol to disabled people is one of the worst errors that society have made around the world. Now some organisms are trying to educate about it but it's maybe too late

Captain Obvious

Del2005 wrote: »

I don't know. If someone is giving their badge away it's a bigger issue as they know how necessary it is but are allowing a non disabled driver take the space from someone who needs it. There already are penalties for no badge, but like motoring offences they are not regularly enforced. Both no badge or someone else's badge should be tackled together..

Tickets for parking in disabled spaces are probably one of the most enforced offences. The problem that arises is that most disabled spaces are on private property and unless a space is designated by the council the disabled sign may as well be a decoration. Give Gardaí the power to enforce this issue on private property and there'd be a big change.

boardsuser1

Have a badge for my child, after a few seconds of looking at her you can spot the mental disability sadly, even worse, after a few short metres the physical disability can also be seen.

What is becoming more frequent outside schools are parents parking in the only disability parking spot there is, the amount of times I’ve had to park 2/300 yards down the road and carry her to the school is sickening, all while the inconsiderate pr1ck in the space stands outside the car in their nightwear smoking a cigarette.

I never ever use that badge unless the child is with me and never will.

Anyone who ‘rats’ these people to the cops, fair play to them.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, they’ll take the space but they won’t take the disability.

Blood boiling now :mad:

Capt'n Midnight

nice_guy80 wrote: »

why is there a higher 'diagnosis' of disability in Ireland than in almost any other western country?

In Norn Iron it was one in nine on DLA. In some areas one in six.

diomed

If people become residents of nursing homes their disabled parking permits should be cancelled.
How did I come up with that idea?

threetrees

endacl wrote: »

I used to use a friend’s when I was going to get stuff for him. I’d never use a disabled space, but the badge meant I didn’t have to pay for parking when I was popping round various shops.

Naughty, I know....

Did you park in a disabled space with the badge or a regular space and just didn't pay because you displayed a badge? As far as I understand the badge only allows free parking in a disabled space, not regular spaces.

byhookorbycrook

diomed wrote: »

If people become residents of nursing homes their disabled parking permits should be cancelled.
How did I come up with that idea?

Not sure, but do you presume people don't need to go to med. appts just because they go into care?

Loveinapril

threetrees wrote: »

Did you park in a disabled space with the badge or a regular space and just didn't pay because you displayed a badge? As far as I understand the badge only allows free parking in a disabled space, not regular spaces.

Nope, you can park in any regular spot. I have a permit but more often than not will use a regular space of they are close to the door in case a more disabled person needs the closer spot. I have good days and bad days so park accordingly.

AndrewJRenko

nice_guy80 wrote: »

why is there a higher 'diagnosis' of disability in Ireland than in almost any other western country?

Where did you get that from? Please give details of your source.

Captain Obvious wrote: »

Tickets for parking in disabled spaces are probably one of the most enforced offences. The problem that arises is that most disabled spaces are on private property and unless a space is designated by the council the disabled sign may as well be a decoration. Give Gardaí the power to enforce this issue on private property and there'd be a big change.

It is up to the private operator to manage the spaces on private property. Speak to whoever manages the site if they aren't managing it properly.

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

What is becoming more frequent outside schools are parents parking in the only disability parking spot there is, the amount of times I’ve had to park 2/300 yards down the road and carry her to the school is sickening, all while the inconsiderate pr1ck in the space stands outside the car in their nightwear smoking a cigarette.

I never ever use that badge unless the child is with me and never will.

Anyone who ‘rats’ these people to the cops, fair play to them.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, they’ll take the space but they won’t take the disability.

Blood boiling now :mad:

Just park beside/outside the space blocking them in. Tell them you'll only be a few minutes.

boardsuser1

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Where did you get that from? Please give details of your source.


It is up to the private operator to manage the spaces on private property. Speak to whoever manages the site if they aren't managing it properly.



Just park beside/outside the space blocking them in. Tell them you'll only be a few minutes.

Lollipop lady moved me on for obstructing.

Grab All Association

Yes it’s wrong to use someones parking badge if not disabled or in their company but for the relatively small number of people doing it, it’s not financially feasible to have wardens going around verifying every driver with a blue badge on display is entitled to use it.

diomed

byhookorbycrook wrote: »

Not sure, but do you presume people don't need to go to med. appts just because they go into care?

My experience is a taxi is called or an ambulance if necessary.

Ginger83

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

Lollipop lady moved me on for obstructing.

Do you mean you allowed her to move you?

boardsuser1

Ginger83 wrote: »

Do you mean you allowed her to move you?

Legally you’re obliged to.

Mrs OBumble

diomed wrote: »

My experience is a taxi is called or an ambulance if necessary.

Some people in nursing homes have relatives who care about them, and take them for outings.

It's not prison they're in.

whoopsadoodles

diomed wrote: »

If people become residents of nursing homes their disabled parking permits should be cancelled.
How did I come up with that idea?

Well this is certainly one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard.

Pintman Paddy Losty

My mother has given me her pass as she can't really drive anymore. I use it to bring her to the shops and mass and that.

Of course if in have the pass I'll use it myself when I'm in a rush or can't find a spot. Everyone here on their high horse would do the same!

alchemist33

Pintman Paddy Losty wrote: »

My mother has given me her pass as she can't really drive anymore. I use it to bring her to the shops and mass and that.

Of course if in have the pass I'll use it myself when I'm in a rush or can't find a spot. Everyone here on their high horse would do the same!

Yeah, you keep telling yourself that

AndrewJRenko

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

Lollipop lady moved me on for obstructing.

You'd certainly not want to be stopping in a place that causes danger to the lollipop lady or the kids that she is guiding, so that complicates it a bit. Find another way to shame the lady in question - take photos or video for a start.

Grab All Association wrote: »

Yes it’s wrong to use someones parking badge if not disabled or in their company but for the relatively small number of people doing it, it’s not financially feasible to have wardens going around verifying every driver with a blue badge on display is entitled to use it.

No-one is suggesting that there is a new team of wardens for this specific issue. But we do have gardai and we do have traffic wardens in many urban areas. A bit of extra focus on this issue would be helpful.

Pintman Paddy Losty wrote: »

Of course if in have the pass I'll use it myself when I'm in a rush or can't find a spot. Everyone here on their high horse would do the same!

No. Most half-decent people would NOT do the same.

the beer revolu

Pintman Paddy Losty wrote: »

My mother has given me her pass as she can't really drive anymore. I use it to bring her to the shops and mass and that.

Of course if in have the pass I'll use it myself when I'm in a rush or can't find a spot. Everyone here on their high horse would do the same!

Yes, everyone here is completely self centered and inconsiderate.
We're all just like you!

markc1184

I have one in the window of my car for my mother, I'm her carer. She has it 3 years now so it is the plastic type card. On the card it says that it needs to be renewed every 2 years but yet I've seen some in windows that look very old and others that just look like a piece of dog eared paper with a bit of laminate on them. Is this just people not bothering/knowing to renew them or people just chancing their arms?

boardsuser1

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

You'd certainly not want to be stopping in a place that causes danger to the lollipop lady or the kids that she is guiding, so that complicates it a bit. Find another way to shame the lady in question - take photos or video for a start.


No-one is suggesting that there is a new team of wardens for this specific issue. But we do have gardai and we do have traffic wardens in many urban areas. A bit of extra focus on this issue would be helpful.


No. Most half-decent people would NOT do the same.

Sadly if i try and do that i'll be accused of discrimination, boss!

boardsuser1

Pintman Paddy Losty wrote: »

Of course if in have the pass I'll use it myself when I'm in a rush or can't find a spot

It is people like your "good" self are the reason that people who genuinely need the spots can't access them.

I hope #OperationEnable is coming to a street near you soon.

Sue Pa Key Pa

Pintman Paddy Losty wrote: »

My mother has given me her pass as she can't really drive anymore. I use it to bring her to the shops and mass and that.

Of course if in have the pass I'll use it myself when I'm in a rush or can't find a spot. Everyone here on their high horse would do the same!

You rightly run the risk of losing the badge altogether and then you will be solely responsible for the extra hardship you will inflict on your mother when she can't park near the shop or church. Then again, I doubt that worries you, once you're OK.

AryaStark

Pintman Paddy Losty wrote: »

My mother has given me her pass as she can't really drive anymore. I use it to bring her to the shops and mass and that.

Of course if in have the pass I'll use it myself when I'm in a rush or can't find a spot. Everyone here on their high horse would do the same!

No they wouldn't. If you had any understanding or were a nice person at all this would not be your view. I am afraid instead of being on a high horse you are one of the lowest of the low and fortunately there are not too many horrible people like you.

Roanmore

Pintman Paddy Losty wrote: »

My mother has given me her pass as she can't really drive anymore. I use it to bring her to the shops and mass and that.

Of course if in have the pass I'll use it myself when I'm in a rush or can't find a spot. Everyone here on their high horse would do the same!

That's a crock of ****. My wife has a permit over 4 years, I have never used with her not in the car in all that time. We know what it's like trying to find a space a seeing a car with no permit on it and wouldn't do it to anyone.

Ginger83

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

Legally you’re obliged to.

I'd be parking beside the car in question and bringing my reason for doing it to the lady's attention.

All she can really do is call the gardai who i'd be explaining my reasons to also.

looksee

Ginger83 wrote: »

I'd be parking beside the car in question and bringing my reason for doing it to the lady's attention.

All she can really do is call the gardai who i'd be explaining my reasons to also.

And while you are having a shouting match with an ignorant low-life, you will be trying to calmly manage your disabled child into the school?

Tropheus

Like others here, my father-in-law has a permit and it's displayed on my car most of the time. I would never take up a disabled space if he wasn't in the car with me. If he left the permit at home and he was with me, I still wouldn't use a disabled space.

The abuse of permits and spaces is a far bigger issue than the number in circulation (which I believe is lower here than other countries as the bar to get one is very high). I regularly challenge people parking in disabled spaces without permits. Some of the excuses I get are hilarious - "I'll only be a minute", yes, seriously! "I've applied for a permit and I'm waiting for it" - then don't park here until you get it! "I left my permit at home" - tough!!

Does anyone know the law when it comes to disabled spaces on private property like shopping centres? I'm not sure if the Guards can enforce them and that's where the biggest abuse is. The businesses themselves don't appear interested in enforcing them. I've reported cars without permits to shopping centre security previously and just get a shrug of the shoulders.

Some people also seem to think that once they're sitting in the car waiting for someone, that it's ok to take up a disabled space without a permit. Lazy fu*kers the lot of them.

Captain Obvious

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

It is up to the private operator to manage the spaces on private property. Speak to whoever manages the site if they aren't managing it properly.

All they can do is clamp it, which doesn't really free up the space.

AndrewJRenko

Captain Obvious wrote: »

All they can do is clamp it, which doesn't really free up the space.

Short term pain for long term gain. It doesn't free it up today, but it is a big deterrent to stop that driver doing the same the next day and the next day. And the same for all the people she tells about how terribly she was treated at the supermarket. And the same for all the people who see the car stuck there with the clamp.

I know one supermarket car park security guy who routinely clamps his own or another staff car just to create this deterrent effect.

markc1184 wrote: »

I have one in the window of my car for my mother, I'm her carer. She has it 3 years now so it is the plastic type card. On the card it says that it needs to be renewed every 2 years but yet I've seen some in windows that look very old and others that just look like a piece of dog eared paper with a bit of laminate on them. Is this just people not bothering/knowing to renew them or people just chancing their arms?

Just to clarify - are you saying that you're using an expired pass?

boardsuser1

Some cars that are being clamped nowadays is resulting in the car being outright abandoned as I mentioned here recently.

https://touch.boards.ie/thread/2057762523/2/#post105578889