"I tried to park in the disabled parking bays at Carpet Right Newhaven, but the able bodied managers car was parked there, he then refused to move his car."

Sarah, Seaford Posted 21 January 2009 12:28:29

"I personally feel that there should be no disabled bays at all!"

Tom, Newhaven Posted 21 January 2009 12:39:12

"I challenged two young lads parked outside Halford the other day in a disabled bay, they had their engine running and said that as they were not parked it didn't count"

Tony, Newhaven Posted 21 January 2009 12:40:16

""In the road where the church is that I attend in Eastbourne, Grove Road, there are some disabled bays for blue badge holders as in our church are some old aged people with varying conditions eg Parkinson's disease. They have found along with others old in age (and those younger ones aswell) that on a few occasions they get a parking fine even though they have a blue badge on display in a pay and display area and disabled bay where the parking scheme is in operation. This is harsh when some elderly people get easily confused and perhaps do not know where it is free to park and how the still new parking scheme works, and also the traffic wardens do not seem that knowledgeable.
The people in charge of this scheme allowed us to return our parking fines as a one off.
In a big superstore car park when someone who is disabled in some way cannot park in a parking space for disabled when that space is taken up by someone who is not disabled is abusing the system and is discriminating against the disabled"."

Paul, Polegate Posted 21 January 2009 13:07:41

"Why do you think there should be no disabled bays?"

Sarah, Seaford Posted 21 January 2009 13:21:44

""The trouble nowadays is that if a person who is disabled challenges another person because that person carelessly parked in a disabled bay when not disabled, the situation could then get easily nasty because so many young people get so nasty and wound up nowadays compared to many years ago in previous generations. There is no need youngsters to get nasty and make it unpleasant, when all that is needed is a sensible piece of reasoning and communication rather than a mis-understanding. The lowering of standards makes things a battlefield.""

Jim, Hailsham Posted 21 January 2009 13:37:07

"It can be quite scary if you decide to challenge someone about being wrongly parked, you never know they might turn violent."

Sarah, Newhaven Posted 21 January 2009 13:54:28

"I think that all non-disabled people who use a Blue Badge to park without the badge holder in the car must be prosecuted.

Also the disabled person who let the Blue Badge should have there Badge taken away from them for a period of time and also prosecuted along with the non-disabled person who was abusing the Blue badge scheme. Until we start taking action on this abuse people will continue to abuse it."

Reg, Eastbourne Posted 21 January 2009 15:34:56

"In some places in America the Local Authority pays Disabled people to issue Tickets to people who are parked in the Blue Badge places without a valid Blue Badge."

Reg, Eastbourne Posted 21 January 2009 15:37:30

"While I think Mother & Toddler spaces do need to be larger I don't see why they need to be closer to shops.
If the child has a disability that's another matter."

Horace, Shoreham Posted 21 January 2009 15:45:32

"While I think Mother & Toddler spaces do need to be larger I don't see why they need to be closer to shops.
If the child has a disability that's another matter."

Horace, Shoreham Posted 21 January 2009 16:01:08

"I agree, larger spaces are required for the massive cars that seem to be on the road these days, although mother and toddler cars could be further away from the entrances"

Viki, Eastbourne Posted 21 January 2009 16:27:09

"I don't understand what the problem of mother and Toddler are. If a person has a mobility difficulty then they should have a blue badge.

However if it is an issue that there is not enough spaces for blue badge holders then that is a different matter."

Ian, Hastings Posted 21 January 2009 16:31:57

"I think disabled bays are a good idea and fully support them in principle. However, there are a disproportionately high amount of them.

I live in an area where car parking is at a premium. All too often there are rows of empty disabled bays whilst able bodied people have no where to park."

Anon, East Sussex Posted 21 January 2009 16:44:19

"I think that parking is a problem for most people - badge holders and able bodied people alike.

What I'd like to see is wider parking spaces for all. I'm not a great fan of having to do the loopy limbo dance every time I want to get in my car!"

Oliver Mustoe-Playfair, Bredgar, Kent Posted 21 January 2009 16:54:38

"INSTANT £1000 FINE 4 PEOPLE WHO PARK WITH NO BADGE!!!!!!!! THERE IS 1 SPACE AT MY TESCOS AND I CAN NEVER PARK!!!!!!!!"

KELLEY, HASTINGS Posted 21 January 2009 17:00:29

"I don't understand what the problem of mother and Toddler are. If a person has a mobility difficulty then they should have a blue badge.

However if it is an issue that there is not enough spaces for blue badge holders then that is a different matter."

Ian, Hastings Posted 21 January 2009 17:06:46

"Name and shame the Tesco's store!"

Jeanna, Hastings Posted 21 January 2009 17:11:22

"Name and shame the Tesco's store!"

Jeanna, Hastings Posted 21 January 2009 17:13:02

""I sense this is a fierce and hard fought debate which has so many views and pros and cons that it will NEVER make 'everybody' happy!""

Paul, Polegate Posted 22 January 2009 10:23:34

"I have used blue badge spaces before even though im not a holder.
i have 2 very young children and wher i live the car park is split in 2 and the other side over a busy road.
while im nt excusing myself but i dont see why i should hav to park somwehre which means i have to walk my young children across a busy road when ther are 4 empty spaces in a safer area?
the blue badge space never get used in this car park. i hav mentione maybe two should be changd to parent & toddler bt they say its against regualtions
is this correct?
also, if the blue badge space are not being used - maybe ther arent many holders in the area - do they have to remain ther?"

jilly, southwick Posted 23 January 2009 15:17:29

"There are too many people using other peoples blue badges, I have seen many today in ASDA who park up and have a badge, but look as though they could run a few miles, this makes those of use who have a badge annoyed and also those who dont have a badge, see it being abused and think its okay as no fines are issued"

Anita, Alfriston Posted 23 January 2009 16:12:30

"Disabled bays are a stupid idea."

bob, seaford Posted 23 January 2009 17:05:47

"Would ypu care to clarify why disabled bays are stupid? I guess you don't have any mobility needs."

Anita, Alfriston Posted 27 January 2009 12:18:04

""No I don't have any mobility needs.
Those who do have mobility needs should not be driving a car, but instead should be driven to supermarkets etc in a transport ambulance.
Disabled bays are stupid because they are not stupid!!"

bob, seaford Posted 28 January 2009 10:35:22

"Old people can be so mean and judgemental.

I am a young person who is subjected to the glares and stares, just because I am young. You make my life miserable.

I can assure you I am disabled and am really grateful for my badge - but please do not judge me until I get out of my car. Then you can see my disability. Sadly, unlike many of you - I am unable to get out of my car very quickly - by which time you sped off, without giving me the chance to respond to you glares and stares.

Please note old people, young people can be disabled and it's not just an old person's badge.

One thing I am sure of, I will not be reaching your age to be so judgemental - which is the blessing of this awful young disabled life."

Rachael, St Leonards Posted 28 January 2009 20:41:36

"There are some counties in the UK who only let the use of diabled bays be used if you have a ciabled tax disc or you will be find. I do understand that some people don't have a car of their own so would be penalized but is it a good idea or not?"

Rethe, Brighton Posted 29 January 2009 10:18:10

"I agree with you Racheal, I am young but disabled and have a blue badge, I often wave my crutches at people through the window, as I too cannot get out of the car quickly."

Julia, Seaford Posted 29 January 2009 12:44:27

"This is a great debate, isn't it? I've read all the comments and I'd like to make some observations.
Sarah (Seaford): You're quite right - if businesses install Blue Badge bays, then they should enforce them!!
Tom (Newhaven): You STILL haven't told us why you think there shouldn't be ANY Blue Badge Bays. If you're going to express such a strong view, then at least have the guts to back it up!!
Anon (E. Sussex): You say there are rows of empty Blue Badge bays in your area. Perhaps they're empty because they're in the wrong place!!
Kelley (Hastings): I think maybe a thousand pound might be a bit heavy (perhaps it was a misprint) - but I think you might be onto something there!!
Jeanna (hastings): "Naming & Shaming" is a great idea!! Why don't you start a letter-writing campaign to your local paper?
Jilly (Southwick): How selfish are you??? If your kids cross the road safely, then why don't you campaign for a crossing, then you'd be making our community safer for all of us (including Disabled People!!
Bob (Seaford): You're just bonkers, aren't you!!!
Can't wait for the next blog - see you all there!!"

Kev, St. Leonards Posted 8 February 2009 16:17:37

"Homebase in Lewes regularly fill their disabled bays with plants - whilst I appreciate that the plants have to rely on a carer for their mobility needs, I question whether they need to sit in a disabled bay for a whole day..."

Rachel, Lewes Posted 9 February 2009 23:40:10

"Hi Kev of St. Leonards,

"Your observations are so jolly clever aren't they clever clogs. I guess it needs someone like you to keep East Sussex going.
Although yours and other peoples opinions on this debate are appreciated and indeed valid - I don't think commenting on others views such as mine (Bob from Seaford) is right to call a person bonkers!. A tad harsh. Why don't you fill in an application form and work for the Council. Then you could put the disabled bays where you wish - sorted"."

Bob, Seaford Posted 12 February 2009 10:37:28

"Oh Bob - don't take yourself so bloomin' seriously!! I was just injecting a bit of humour into the debate. The fact is you STILL haven't said why you don't think there should be any Blue Badge bays!! People with mobility difficulties particularly need to be able to park as close as possible to the places they need to get to. Actually, I've campaigned for many years for Disabled People's rights and I continue to do so. I don't really fancy working for the Council, but it'd be fun to be a Parking Warden for a day, just to see how many people are abusing Blue Badge bays - or using Badges they're not even entitled to!! It's all very well to express a view about what should be done about (anything), but the challenge is to try to do something about it!! Anyway, the idea of a site like this is to allow people to express a view, but you then have to DEFEND that view when someone challenges it!! However, I'm sorry if I offended you but to be honest I found your comments about Disabled People having to be ferried about in mini-buses rather offensive myself!! Of course Disabled People should be allowed to drive - why ever not? most public transport these days has been adapted for use by people with mobility difficulties and surely that's just how it SHOULD be!! Disabled People have the same rights as everyone else!!"

Kev, St. Leonards Posted 17 February 2009 23:51:30

"I resent that fact that I am called selfish for wanting my children to be safe and think you must be quite narrow-minded to only see your own views.
I HAVE askedd many a time for a crosssing or some form of one to be put in but i have been told it is "unneccessary". there habe been multiple accidents on this road and a few fatalities over thr yrs many of those young children and yet still nothing has been done.
I am not saying get rid of the blue badeg bays as i agree they are a necessity for ppl who - unlike me - are fully mobile.
i merely suggested the possibility of taking two away to make parent & child bays as there is none.
I simply ASKED whether there wer any rules or regulations that stop this especially seeing as they are never used?"

Jilly, Southwick Posted 19 February 2009 16:02:40

"I take your point Jilly. However, it's a matter of perspective isn't it? For example, at my local Sainsbury's there are now far MORE Parent & Child spaces and far LESS Blue Badge bays. This is presumably because the supermarkets want the custom of parents far more than that of Disabled People (as they're probably going to spend more!!)
Of course I wasn't suggesting that you were selfish for wanting your children to be able to cross the road safely!! However, what a lot of people seem to have forgotten is that action is best taken (& more likely to get a response) when people get together to make their voices heard.
I was recently involved in a consultation between Hastings Borough Council & local Disabled People to discuss the number & location of Blue Badge bays. I don't know whether this has ever been done with parents' groups, but it's got to be worth a try!!
O.K. - I admit it!! I have been trying to provoke people a bit on this site, but if it makes them go out & do something to try to change things in their - whether that's about parking spaces or wheelie bins - then it'll have been worth it!!"

Kev, St. Leonards Posted 19 February 2009 17:09:59

"I know of somebody who keeps on using the disabled blue badge of a member of their extended family (who has admitited that they only use it a couple of times a year for the hospital & manages to walk the dog each day several times a day) while they use it regularly when it is raining or when there is nowhere else to park so she doesnt have to walk far with the youngster (aged about 3) even using it on double yellows forcing the real disabled to walk a number of streets away in great pain. Is there any way that this can be stopped as I know if I say who I am I will be harrassed & my house & car vandalized."

Anon, Brighton Posted 3 March 2009 16:57:31

"Hi Anon - if the person you talk about lives in Brighton then ESCC won't be of much help. Contact Brighton & Hove City Council's Blue Badge Dept on 01273 296270 or parking@brighton-hove.gov.uk"

Nick, ESDA Posted 11 March 2009 15:53:12

"If you would like to report a person in East Sussex, then you need to contact bluecarbadges@eastsussex.gov.uk with the car registration number and the serial number of the badge."

Julia, ESDA Posted 12 March 2009 17:16:37

"i used to think disabled bays where a silly idea if people can't walk why go shopping? that was until november last year when i had to have a 2 major brain operation and suffered major nerve damage i can only walk afew steps but hate being in all the time i use a wheelchair and although i can't drive or walk i love shopping i too am young im 24 and have people starring at me as if im abusing the system and as soon as i get out of the car into my chair the whispers start because i have scars all over my head. it doesn't bother me that much anymore i tend to wave at them. but lately have noticed how many people use disabled bays and clearly dont need them but have a blue badge it really gets to me. at my local asda there is a warden and if you park in a disabled bay and dont have a blue badge you are fined its not that much i think its £50 and if you dont pay clamped which i think is a good idea"

jenny, cheshire Posted 24 April 2009 22:42:40

"I would like to know the criteria used by ESCC to issue Blue Badge parking permits. I know of several (in my opinion) unworthy cases using the Blue Badge to park indiscriminately, but still manage 4 rounds of golf a week!!!

ESCC has recently refused my parents, both late 80's and both suffering from disabilities which prevent them walking more than 50 yards. ESCC claim they "do not fulfil their criteria". Just how sick or old and infirm do you have to be to get one of these? Or have they used up all ESCC allowance issuing them to golfers?"

JM, Spain Posted 26 April 2009 12:52:59

"Report the golfers to Social Care Direct 0345 60 80 191 or email bluebadge@eastsussex.gov.uk with details of the badge serial number or the car registration number and where it is located."

Julia, ESDA Posted 28 April 2009 11:45:22

"I see in todays Argus that someone was fined for parking in a disabled bay with the word 'Disabled' on the outside of the box only to be told be Worthing Council that they can only park in bays with the writing on the inside of the box I have never seen any inside also it doesn't say anything about it in the book that accompanies the badge. How true is this or should Worthing Council refund the fine they made these people have to pay."

Mrs R Wilson, Brighton Posted 8 May 2009 21:14:13

"One has to ask what the bay is used for if the disabled sign is outside the bay, was the sign for the bay or the one next door?"

Peter, Eastbourne Posted 11 May 2009 11:46:02

""Surely All disabled bays should have the word disabled plastered 'inside' the boundary of the bay. Why should it be otherwise? It would be nice if things were simple on our roads. The disabled just want to park in the bays - they dont need all these side issues!. The intelligence of some people these days in various lines of life is really quite shocking. I reckon these people who work at council's etc in high positions think they have really good ideas, but more often than not this isn't the case. For example, when the parking scheme of Eastbourne was being talked about by the council, a Consultation was set up for the whole of Eastbourne to share their views, and the end result was the scheme to go ahead even though most of Eastbourne were not happy with the scheme""

Bob, Seaford Posted 11 May 2009 20:32:45

"As I understand it having a Blue Badge not only allows you to park in Disabled Bays (which I agree with) but anywhere even double yellow lines. I work in a large hospital and because you have to pay to park if you are disabled (which I also agree with because a lot of disabled people have jobs!) many disabled people park their cars in the most dangerous places such as the exit to the hospital which blocks to view of traffic coming both ways. If you are unable to afford car park charges (which I do not agree with) then there are plenty of disability beneifts you can claim to pay for those charges. Please do not park your cars in dangerous positions which in itself can cause an accident making more disabled people!"

Gloria, Southampton Posted 3 July 2009 17:57:28

"Blue Badge holders can rigthly lose their badge if they cause an obstruction , raised pavements are there for people,wheelchairs and prams to cross the roads safely at the same level.
Often I find these obstructed , on more than one occasion by blue badge holders and the blue badge holder runs the risk of losing the facility..."

Bob M, Seaford Posted 24 July 2009 11:50:42

"In reply to Gloria from Southampton; whilst you're quite correct to say that possession of a Blue Badge does allow you to park on double yellow lines (as well as in other otherwise restricted areas), I have always thought that this is really an excuse for local councils NOT to provide more Blue Badge bays.
As far as the issue of parking in hospitals etc.is concerned, it would not be true (or accurate) to say that Disabled People should have to pay in (said) car parks because they can get benefits which they can use to pay these charges. As far as I'm aware, Mobility Allowance (for example) is not awarded for the purpose of paying such charges, but is meant to be used to purchase & lease vehicles, get adaptations done & pay for the general cost of running a vehicle.
As far as Bob's comments on "consultation" go, my experience is that they are just that!! the object of the process would appear to be merely to solicit public opinion on their plans - not neccessarily to ACT on any feedback on them -whether from Disabled People or anyone else!! Having said that, since Disabled People are a minority group, even if they were consulted as a seperate "interest group" and expressed a view, it does'nt necessearilt follow that that view would not necessarily be acted upon by the local authority."

Kev, St. Leonards Posted 30 August 2009 15:53:27

"There was an action day on Tuesday to combat misuse of badges in Eastbourne, what do people think about prosecuting those who were caught ? should they be made an example of ? would this deter further offences ?"

Michael, Eastbourne Posted 12 November 2009 19:48:18

"I think all abusers of the bays should be prosecuted"

Anita, East Dean Posted 16 November 2009 12:48:30

"My son has cerabal palsy and is a wheelchair user. He also is able to drive an adapted vehiecle. He has a lightweight wheelchair that once he is in his car he lifts in over the top of his legs and between the steering wheel. He had an appointment at D.G.H in eastbourne, When he got there, there were no free disabled bays. So to make sure he had enough space to get in and out oof his car with door clearance for his wheelchair he parked over the white line of the bays so he was in two bays, he has clear markings on his car please leave room for wheelchair access and also put up his blue badge and he still gets a parking ticket. He appealed but the company still upheald the ticket. Yet the disabled bays were full of old people who just as they are slowing down with age but can walk for miles perfectly unaided, but have a dr that is willing to say they can have a blue badge. I think all disabled bays should be on;y for wheelchair and walking aided users. not people who can run from car to shop."

Jackie Fowler, Peacehaven Posted 18 November 2009 11:42:51

"Has anyone noticed what is happening with the disabled parking bays in Battle High Street. After years of trying and finally involving the local MP, we had four bays by mid October. . One bay went within days, and at the weekend the bay outside the Post Office turned, as if by magic, into a Taxi rank. This bay was so important as it allowed access to the Post Office and banks at that end of the High Street. What on earth was the point in establishing these bays and then getting rid of them just a few weeks later."

Rosemary, Battle Posted 24 November 2009 21:38:09

"Might be worth asking the council what proportion of parking is accessible within the town - if they established you needed four bays then four bays you should have! Ask what the town plan has outlined for disabled people, this sort of thing must be included in the town plan, and the town plan has to accessible for all to read, it is after all a public document."

Percy, Seaford Posted 30 November 2009 12:52:44

"why not make it so that your picture on the badge has to be visable instead of the other way round,than you would know if the person whome it had been issued was the person using it.Just a thought!"

william, brighton Posted 4 January 2010 15:44:08

"I know of several people who use the disabled badge of someone that has since deceased - surely the issuers of the badges should collect them back in or have a way of revalidating them annually - I don't know how they get away with it for so long. Like many have said above if their is not a disabled person in the car they should be fined."

Jo, Hastings Posted 2 February 2010 16:56:29

"I have often had to leave my daughter on the side of road while I move the car to get the lift down and run back to get her as other so called disabled people have parked to near even though I have a polite note saying we need room for lift, there are to many blue badges being given out old age is not a disability I would like to know how people can play bouls and yet need a blue badge I have also seen an old man tell my husband he shouldnt be parked in disabled and he should be able to park in the space my husband agreed he was not disabled but if he looked our daughter was and she was in a wheel chair with us this man could at least walk. I also know someone who watched the air show eating ice cream laying on the floor and then standing up with no problem and yet he has a blue badge why this same person only gets the chair out when someone of authority is coming spot checks need to be made to stop the so called disabled and help the real disabled person"

lucy, seaford Posted 22 February 2010 15:15:15

"Take down their Car Reg number and if you can get close enough the number on their blue badge and email it to bluebadges@eastsussex.gov and then it can be investigated."

Sara, Seaford Posted 4 March 2010 12:15:32