Disabled parking permits

Only comment I can give on this is not all disabilities are visible. So while you’re frustrated that you weren’t given a permit, it’s not fair to say that some have no problem at all walking etc..

They are fairly strict when giving them out. It literally has to be a physical mobility issue so the disability would be visible.

This is just wrong though. Couple of other posters have clarified why.

Some doctors will sign them off without thought or consideration.

our family GP despite being a pretty young guy will not.. he’s at a guess around the 48 mark but when one family member went to renew his pass the doctor insisted he come in for a full physical exam / consultation…

the condition is bad arthritis. They don’t need a walking aid but….Arthritis is not a curable condition so was a bit of a head scratcher as to why the fûck he wanted to see them. Arthritis can just be symptomatically managed, through medication, exercise and keeping excess weight off….

So if he expected to find his patient doing the foxtrot across the waiting room in a pain free sprightly manner…

GPs have no say in who is issued a Disability Badge.

All they do is complete a medical assessment form.

It's the DDAI or the IWA who then decide whether a permit is granted, or not.

They have a say.

You must be certified by your GP or medical practitioner that you fall under the relevant criteria.  That is having a say.

Some severe mobility issues are not immediately apparent to a casual observer.

No, they literally don't.

My GP actually made a point of telling me very specifically when I was submitting my application that he had no control and no say over whether I was issued a permit, or not. His only function, was to fill in the form giving details of my medical conditions.

Your relative also should not have been asked by their GP to do another medical, as this is not a requirement for renewal unless it is specifically requested by either the DDAI, or IWA.

Or maybe some jealous person reported them because they couldn't see any visible disability.

You know those people. 🙄

That actually never occurred to me, that someone would do that! Any request for a review of eligibility would still have to come from the DDAI or IWA though, not the GP.

I have been side-eyed before when I park in Disability spaces because I am not wheelchair bound (yet). You get used to it. I just ignore. I do recommend putting one of these on your car though...

There are a variety available from Amazon.co.uk. Might help some people get the message.

It's bad enough for people suffering from a serious condition trying to get on with their life without some stranger judging them.

Often they will have made an effort to get dressed up and leave home. Getting out is good for them.

Have a little understanding. If they have a blue badge just leave it at that.

Fair play to her. That is a very decent thing to do, and something all badge owners are asked to do, if possible.

Maybe where you live. But where I live we have Traffic wardens and Parking fees.

With the blue badge you don't need to pay the parking fee.

Can you walk?

The main point about not paying the parking fee is that it saves you having to make your way over to the machine and back with the ticket, a problem if you have mobility issues.

If you have a blue badge and park in a non-wheelchair space (assuming it is accessible for a wheelchair if needed) would you have to get a ticket? It might be helpful if you did not. The mean spirited people using other people's blue badges might then park in an ordinary space and still save their €2, leaving the larger space for wheelchair users. They could be sorted out as a separate issue.

Looksee, to answer your question on parking charges, it depends. You really have to check.

If its a privately owned car park e.g. Parkrite or one of those, you will be charged for parking even with a disability badge.

I still have to pay for parking in The Square or Liffey Valley Shopping Centres, etc - and funnily enough, in a lot of hospital car parks (though some have limited free spaces).

But if parking in a regular parking space on the public road or in a local authority car park then no, not usually. You don't have to have a ticket either, just display the badge.

This is just nonsense , i know several people with mobility issues but who can walk using aids and are entitled to permits :)