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John Williams wrote:
I'm not going to get into a 'my disability is worse than yours' argument, because as has been pointed out this is a Linux mailing list.On Thu, 2009-11-26 at 12:56 +0000, Simon Williams wrote:aAFAIK the wording of the qualification for a Blue Badge is 'Extreme difficulty or total inability to walk'. I have Spina Bifida and aswithpermanent wheelchair user fall into the latter category. My issuegetthis is the former 'extreme difficulty'. The number of people I seeimpedimentout of cars in disabled spaces and walk with no discerniblethataway from the car irritates the hell out of me. I can only assumeGPs operate with a very spurious definition of 'extreme difficulty'.Some people qualify for a badge because their conditions are such that they may have good days and bad days (arthritis perhaps). While I understand your position in that you don't get a good day out of a wheelchair some people do, but claiming they do not deserve a blue badge ON THE DAY THAT YOU SEE THEM is very closed minded. or a lack of thought. You would have no idea of any pain they are suffering despite showing no outward sign of impediment.
What I will say is that I have every sympathy with those whose disability causes them suffering. However, if they are having, as you put it, 'a good day' then what is stopping them walking an extra few feet from a normal bay? As you conceded I never have that opportunity, and never will.
I will however say that if people are able to manage, then the disabled bays SHOULD be left free for those with a need on days where they may not need to use it
That's my point exactly.
In over 20 years driving I have *never* heard of such a fine being handed out. Perhaps more prominent exposure of such instances would slow down the abuse.I do think its criminal that an ordinary driver may park in a disabled bay and face nothing more than a normal fixed penalty fine (at worst... supermarkets do nothing at all) however misuse of a blue badge (such as it accidentally remaining on display from a previous day) when the disabled person isn't in the car nets a £1000 fine.
Kind regards - and to your wife with my sincere hope she is having a good day today and her bad days are fewer,
Julian -- The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG http://mailman.dclug.org.uk/listinfo/list FAQ: http://www.dcglug.org.uk/linux_adm/list-faq.html