Disabled parking.
The only time we’re visible in society?
How many times have you exited your car in a disabled space only to be confronted by an angry person demanding to know the exact nature of your disability?
This happened to me the other day.
I took my mum out – walking stick, disabled parking badge, etc – and parked in a disabled space. Two. TWO people in cars (not disabled, waiting for ‘disabled’ people) got out their cars and harangued us.
‘Erm, yes, my mum can’t walk far (gestured to stick). How far? Really? Are you serious?’
They were.
‘Well, as I said, my mum can’t walk that far, and for your information, I have MS.’
‘Oh, yes? You expect me to believe that?
But who am I to judge?
Fast forward to our next stop, near the chemist. Three disabled spaces, handily near the local supermarket. So, obviously taken up with customers of the local supermarket. Without disabled badges.
But it’s ok. I spoke to them – they were only parking for five minutes – enough time to get into the supermarket, grab a pizza, bottle of wine and latest copy of Hello!.
Only five minutes. We wish. If only they could be disabled for just five minutes.
And there’s the nub. These people see disabled spaces, make a rational decision and decide that their need is greater than ours. Is that the only time they think this way? Or is it endemic in society?
Disabled spaces are fair game and our government has led the way – we are all wastrels, scoundrels, beggars. With this blatant misuse of disabled spaces, the general public send a stark message:
We don’t care. Prove yourself.