General Chat

Took my Mum into Bath today for some urgent last-minute shopping (try not to do it on a Sunday if I can) and because she has Disabled badges, parked on double yellow lines right outside M&S. Came out to find a PARKING TICKET!! Couldn't believe it - was nearly in tears when I saw it. Anyway, as luck would have it, a policeman was just walking past so I batted my eyelashes and asked for his help. He was lovely (if you're reading this PC 2791, you're a star!); he checked the road to make sure there were no other restrictions, checked my dashboard to make sure passes on display and agreed that there was no reason at all for the ticket. He then contacted the Police Station and asked them to get hold of the traffic warden... but the number was engaged. Fortunately, I thought of photographing everything with my mobile and I have the backing of the police officer. But with everything else at the moment, I really don't want the hassle of having to write letters (they won't accept telephone enquiries!) and print off pics etc. Watch this space - because I will be VERY interested to know why that ticket was issued, could be some hilarious reasons offered! Mandy :(

Because Mandy, they are on commission for the number of tickets they give out, and he/she did not expect you to fight it! They did that with us one day, I did not have my disabled badge so had to pay. The sticker fell of in the heat, but could be clearly seen. I did not pay the £60, I wrote a letter, and included the parKing sticker. I have to say though, that the answer I got was NOT very gracious. Deanna

Hi Mandy, I don't think a badge entitles you to park on double yellows. I know places around here where anyone parking on double yellows gets a ticket, disabled or not. Good Luck, though, Gwynne

Hi Gwynne Yes it does vary from place to place, but you can park on double yellows providing there are no other restrictions (if there are yellow lines on the kerb for instance, it's no parking at all under any circumstances, or if you're causing an obstruction). Plus it's a spot that always has disabled badgeholders parked there. The policeman said that I shouldn't have had the ticket - so fingers crossed that he's right lol! Hi Joan Yes I know what you mean - but we are very law abiding when it comes to Mum's tickets because we don't want them getting taken away from her (which is what happens if you abuse their use). Mum was getting a few meals for one for Dad while she's in hospital, and I was going back in to put it through the checkout for her (had gone out to put other bags in boot). Mandy :)

Hi Mandy, It looks like you have a good case then. Good Luck, Gwynne

Yes, you have to have left the car. You cannot park in a disabled parking bay, even for a moment,and stay in the car while a carer nips into a shop! But, there are (I believe) Occassions when a disabledperson may park, for short periods, on a double yellow line. I would have to look it up in my book. I know son never does it, best to find a good spot and be able to shop an not worry about the time. Deanna

We are given a book of rule. But really it is only common sense. We do our best, don't we Mandy? As you say, we would lose our badge if we abused it. Deanna X

Let me know the name of the Traffic Warden and I'll sort them out!!!! Oooh and the name and number of the Policeman please ;-) lots of love to you and your mum becx

Ooo Mandy tell 'em to get stuffed!! Quote: Blue Badge holders may usually park on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours in England and Wales, or without any time limit in Scotland. Except where there is a ban on loading or unloading, and a few locations where schemes apply - eg. Central London. The Blue Badge must be displayed and in England an Wales the Blue Parking Disc must also be displayed showing the time of arrival. There must be an interval of at least one hour from a previous period of waiting before the same vehicle can be parked in the same road or part of a road in the same day. So providing there was no plate stating disabled users resticted to 1 hour - and your Policeman seems to have varified you're ok then they don't have a leg to stand on. Money grabbing swines !! Good Luck. XX Sioux

Mandy in Somerset is correct with her information. If it is just a double yellow line with no other restrictions , then a disabled badge holder can park for 3 hours . But if there are curb markings , then NOBODY can park there as there is a NO WAITING , NO LOADING restriction. Usually it is for a very good reason that curb markings are in place and at the end of the day , we all need to get where we are going without obstructions in the road that cause unnecessary delays - be honest !!! Just because people have a disabled badge , it doesn't mean they can park where they want and for how long they want............ P.S I am an ex traffic warden Connie xx