Needed to vent- people in disabled parking spots that dont need them

[JenJen]

duck they have Temp parking Permits for when you have a injury so next time you break something you should ask your doctor for one. That way you do not have to go to court because it is a pain.

 

[ducklite]

duck they have Temp parking Permits for when you have a injury so next time you break something you should ask your doctor for one. That way you do not have to go to court because it is a pain.

Hopefully there won't be a next time.

Anne

 

[mickeyfan2]

I have been to stores that have stork parking.

 

[lil.disney.princess]

a sad point here in the uk is that at our supermarkets we have special parent and toddler spaces-like the disabled spaces-close to the store so we dont have to walk across the car park and extra wide to allow us to get the little ones safely in and out of the car-and it really bugs me the amount of people with a disabled badge that park in our spaces-even when there are disabled spaces free-some of them (especially the elderly)think that their disabled badge is a license to park where ever they like and dont give any consideration to other people!i will say something politley to them like "the disabled spaces are over there" etc-

 

[SueM in MN]

a sad point here in the uk is that at our supermarkets we have special parent and toddler spaces-like the disabled spaces-close to the store so we dont have to walk across the car park and extra wide to allow us to get the little ones safely in and out of the car-and it really bugs me the amount of people with a disabled badge that park in our spaces-even when there are disabled spaces free-some of them (especially the elderly)think that their disabled badge is a license to park where ever they like and dont give any consideration to other people!i will say something politley to them like "the disabled spaces are over there" etc-

Not to condone people parking where they don't belong, but on the other hand.......
I know at least one mall in the area where I live that has many more of those "expectant parent/parent of small child" parking spots than they have of handicapped parking spots.....
and the expectant parent spots are much closer to the door at each parking area, so that people parking in those areas have only to cross a sidewalk to get to the mall door (a distance of about 40 feet).......
and the closest door to the handicapped parking area does not have any curb cuts to get up the curb.....
which means that people with disabilities have to travel thru the parking lot at least approximately 200yds to get to the curb cut. The door is closer than that, but without going out of your way to get to the curb cut, the door is not accessible because it's not possible to get up the curb.

The last time I went to that mall, we had to go way out of our way to get to a sidewalk with a curb cut so that we could get into the mall. After helping my DD get up to the curb, I helped an elderly man who was having difficulty pushing his wheelchair thru the thick slushy snow and saw a woman with a walker who was also having a hard time.
I complained to the mall managers and their response was that they felt their handicapped parking spaces complied with the law and that they had many "parent" spots because there was high demand for them.

 

[Figment1964]

There was a news story just last night about how the police here in the Portland area are now on the look out for people parking illegally in handicapped spots. They were watching one person get out and making the comment about how some use the spots and that it doesn't look like they need it. I started to get a bit frustrated knowing what I do about invisible disabilities but then reporter clarified that point for the viewers at the end of the segment. They were not ticketing anyone if they had a valid tag. I just didn't like the comment about "not looking like they needed it". I'm glad to see that it's on their radar, at least.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

There was a news story just last night about how the police here in the Portland area are now on the look out for people parking illegally in handicapped spots.

Earlier this year, the police themselves were caught out parking in 'disabled' spaces. Much to their embarresment, a wheelchair user managed to photograph them having coming out of the supermarket with their lunch!!

Also at the end of last year, John Prescott, our deputy prime minister was caught out parking in a 'disabled' parking space when eating at a restaurant!

Andrew

 

[annie1995]

I have been to stores that have stork parking.

All of the stores in our area that had stork parking, have now removed them. My guess is from non-pregnant people using them and probably the many complaints the stores recieved. I saw very few pregnant woman getting those spots. What people will do to get a few feet closer.

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

It annoys the living daylights out of me. I wanted to hit people when I was nursing that would ask if, "The doctor could fill this paper out for me?" Well, we always used to have to do a bulk of it. For the ones that didn't need it (we did an excellent job at keeping the files up-to-date and information accessible.. these were people looking for the easy way out), we were told to rip them up. And that I did. Usually in front of them... I had a 23 y/o college football playyer ask me if it could be signed so he wouldn't be late to class? Are you kidding me?!

Having never even pulled into a disabled spot to even run in and get something... I just can't get it! Are we THAT lazy?! Heck, tonight at the grocery store, I counted 8 open ones before the parking space I took. The tought of parking anywhere but the first non-restricted one I found never crossed my mind. I don't think it should for anyone unless they have a valid permit for legitimate reasons.

:::steps off soap box:::

 

[Adrienne]

I don't blame you for being mad. I would have gone right in and asked to talk to the manager. Then told him what he said.

Believe me I did, but they were so run off ther feet, i don't think he cudl have gotten away.. BEsides, this guy was about 35 and the manager of the BK is about 18 at most i think (damn child labour laws that allow then to employ under 21's for a pittance of what the adults make)...

Adrienne

 

[kaytieeldr]

When my brother was alive, he used to do the same thing as Michigan. At the local pharmacy, where there were always TONS of empty spaces that required a 50 foot walk and only two HP spaces by the door - if one of the two cars parked there didn't have a placard or plate, he'd block in the car AND call the police. Only, of course, if both spots were being used.

 

[Daisimae]

I am 39. I've had a HP placard since I ws 35. I don't look disabled. But I have Fibromylagia, Arthritis and CFIDS. Most days the placard is the difference between me going out and staying home. I'm just exausted.

I do get dirty looks, because I look healthy. I also get dirty looks when I use the scooters inside Wal*Mart and Target. People don't understand that walking those large stores can do me in quick!

Just today when I was going to therapy, there was a car parked in the HP space that I usually park in, without a placard. On my way into the office, the owner of the other car comes out, slides into her car, ducking away from me and drives off. She knew she shouldn't have been there. I do have to say that sometimes I do forget to put my placard up. But, I do have a valid one.

Ducklite, seeing you 9+ months pregnant or on crutches, wouldn't have made me upset to see you using an HP space. There should be an easier way for people who need an HP space temporarily to get one. We went thru that with my Mom, who got sick and needed a WC, couldn't walk etc, long before she got an HP placard. It was very difficult getting her into places esp. malls and Drs. offices before she had one.

 

[ducklite]

I am 39. I've had a HP placard since I ws 35. I don't look disabled. But I have Fibromylagia, Arthritis and CFIDS. Most days the placard is the difference between me going out and staying home. I'm just exausted.

I do get dirty looks, because I look healthy. I also get dirty looks when I use the scooters inside Wal*Mart and Target. People don't understand that walking those large stores can do me in quick!

Just today when I was going to therapy, there was a car parked in the HP space that I usually park in, without a placard. On my way into the office, the owner of the other car comes out, slides into her car, ducking away from me and drives off. She knew she shouldn't have been there. I do have to say that sometimes I do forget to put my placard up. But, I do have a valid one.

Ducklite, seeing you 9+ months pregnant or on crutches, wouldn't have made me upset to see you using an HP space. There should be an easier way for people who need an HP space temporarily to get one. We went thru that with my Mom, who got sick and needed a WC, couldn't walk etc, long before she got an HP placard. It was very difficult getting her into places esp. malls and Drs. offices before she had one.

I agree--there should be an easier way to get a temp tag. I've been on crutches three times in the past ten years, plus had a tumor removed from my spine, and have not had a tag for any of them, and it really would have come in handy for the one to four weeks that I needed it.

I normally wouldn't consider pregnancy a disability, that one time it was truly a safety issue due to the ice all over the parking lot. Like I said, had I not been very pregnant, I would have just "slid along".

I firmly believe handicap spots are there for a reason--because someone needs that closer spot a lot more than I do, and I count my blessings for that--the extra walk will do us all good anyhow!

Anne

 

[lookingforward]

I feel for "younger" people who are disabled. My friend has MS and doesn't "Look" disabled but like those with chronic fatigue, etc. she has some really bad days. I have seen her get assaulted (verbally) by people in parking lots for parking in the handicapped spots. (she has a permit). One time an elderly man made her cry. She should not have to explain herself to anyone. I also think those who have temporary injuries and difficult pregnancies should be allowed to use the spaces too while they need them.

Here in south Florida we have a large amount of elderly people. Many of them have the permits and noone would think of questioning them (although I am sure not all really need it). Young or middle aged people should get the same respect. My son was in an accident when he was four and had a seizure that caused him to limp for a few months (nerve damage). The therapist offered to approve a handicapped permit for him but we declined since he was so small that we could easily carry him. It broke my heart but I appreciated her concern. He is fully recovered now but had he been a larger child I would have utilized the permit.

 

[Haley Whippet]

I get so upset that people give me looks and make rude comments to me about parking in handicap parking. You see I look young I am 30 but look about 24 or 25) and healthy but I have a invisable disease (Fibromylagia and CFIDS and many others.) I don't look like I need it but on some says I really do and i only use it when I am in a flare up I never abuse it. It is getting to the point I don't want to park there anymore because of the looks I get.
For the OP I would call the COPS next time so that they can ticket the car that is illegally parking in the spot. That makes me sick!

I also have Fibro, CF, and a few other things, I totally agree, CALL THE POLICE when someone is using a handicap space without a permit.
I would trade in my permit anyday to anyone that is willing to take my illness...
Deb

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Just a word of caution... I would never confront anyone who illegally parked in a designated disabled parking space because you never know what result could come from the confrontation. I prefer grabbing my cell phone and calling the local police as well as talking to the store/mall manager and/or security. Getting angry is ok, but it is better to allow those who are better equipped to deal with the offender.

 

[SueM in MN]

Just a word of caution... I would never confront anyone who illegally parked in a designated disabled parking space because you never know what result could come from the confrontation. I prefer grabbing my cell phone and calling the local police as well as talking to the store/mall manager and/or security. Getting angry is ok, but it is better to allow those who are better equipped to deal with the offender.

I do have to agree.
Even if you don't confront, but block someone in or do something that they can "connect" to you, you risk getting some type of retaliation.
It's better to let an unconnected person who has legal authority deal with it.

 

[faeflora]

Not only do people park in the handicap parking but they tend to block the ramps leading to stores.
I was getting my hair cut and parked in hc parking went up the ramp to the sidewalk no problem. This is one of the older malls where the ramps are spread out and so the next close ramp is about 10 stores away and down a hill.
After getting my hair cut I come out and some lame brain has parked his car right in front of the ramp blocking my ability to get to the car. It was raining that day and I did not feel like trying to step out of the chair and negotiate a curb. Slipping and falling was not a good idea. So lucky for me a spot a police man and explained my situation. He went to each store until he found the owner of the car and then proceeded to explain in a very loud and intimidating voice why it is wrong to block a ramp, complete with a ticket. He also then escorted me to my car for extra emphasis on why the driver of said car is completely clueless.
People amaze me sometimes.

 

[Michigan]

I know someone who would take toothpicks and break them off inside the lock so the person had to call a locksmith to have the doors opened.

(Midge if you check back in it was Suzi)

 

[mtertell]

I normally do not view these boards but I was looking up some info for a friend with an autistic child who is going to Disney next week. This topic caught my eye. I live in Chicago and the fine is being increased to $500.00.
for parking in a handicapped spot. The police did a sting in September and caught over 100 people with counterfeit hang tags parking downtown. I beleive there is no fee to park at a downtown meter with a handicap placard. Otherwise there is a two hour limit or a private garage at @$20.00/day so I
imagine conterfeiting is probably more rampant than those who were caught.
Also the new hangtags when issued will have holographic info with gender
and birthdateto cut down on the problem. By the way I got a lot of great
info for my friend. Thanks
Marla