i was waiting for the hubby to pick me up from sainsburys, for the meeting in Taunton, and was amazed by the number of people parking in the disabled bays without a blue badge. am i considered evil for taking their pictures and posting the offenders on facebook? or should be be naming and shaming these abusers. i feel angry when we are abused because we have a blue badge and because of age. i have been accused of parking on 'your grans' badge. i would rather park and be able to walk, skip or even run away from the parking space!

It seems wrong that these people never get the abuse that we do just because we don't look ill and lots of us are quite young.

I've been watched with annoyed faces several times getting out of the car in these bays by other people. When they see you get out with your stick or get the wheelchair out they quickly look away!

Love Shirley x

i am now going out armed with a camera, and going to continue taking photos. i waas shouted out y one person in minehead, because my son drove me shopping, and he was parked next to me in a disabled bay, without a badge. i went in to compalin to the manager of tescos who told me they wouldnt do anything about the parking, and didnt really give a monkeys! i now use morrisons, and have yet to spot a wong user as they will fine them. just going to post these photos to the face book page! xx

I wondered where we could put pictures up. I've been to toolstation this week and there are 2 big bollards in the disabled space!!! And also Elliots... one bollard!!! Next time I'm there I'll take a picture and put it up!

It annoys me too. Especially our big sainsbury's at Hedge End, where there aren't enough spaces when I get there.....

Anne

I went to Mothercare in Salisbury recently. The disabled space had an awning over it and a big sign saying it was reserved for fitting baby car seats!! I know there were other ordinary spaces close by but I still seethed.
Sue

so would have i Jean,

i remember Dorothy ( i think ) had someone challenge her not long after she had her blue badge,

and ( can't remember who ) said there answer to anyone who challenges their right to be in a disabled space by not looking disabled was " and you don't look ignorant !! " i always have that thought in my mind if someone dares look at me

Suzanne x

I posted a while back that I had applied for a blue badge after months of soul searching. My lovely OT Rachel filled the form in for me. She asked me questions and I answered them and then she wrote them on the form. My handwriting is terrible now (thank you RA for that). When it arrived I told my daughter and she said 'Bet your pleased that you got one' We'll I'm not really, it makes it a bit official now.

I had a steroid injection just before it came , I wasn't feeling too good, CRP very high for a few months and I was expecting my grandchildren for the summer holidays. The injection thankfully worked so I haven't really needed to use it yet, I said I wouldn't abuse it and only use it when necessary and thats what I intend to do. The steroid injection is starting to wear off so I think I may have to use it soon. not looking forward to that incase I get any comments being I am not grey, old and walk with a stick.

I do like the .......and you don't look ignorant, if I do pluck up the courage to reply to any comments I think I might try .......and yes you look intelligent, funny how looks can be diseving..........that sounds a bit better than ignorant, because I'm not very brave.

Paula x

hi ,yes suzanne i did get alot of stick when i first used my badge and it made me feel awfull, i got some really good ideas for comments on here when i posted back then in the steam room and kept them but i got one from my son which i like"i'll give you 10p run and phone a traffic warden"i have used it and i get the odd look but 9 out of 10 they just mutter and go. and yes i think the big stores could be more supporting of parking my local tesco are very good but cant be there all the time,also i think disable spaces for putting baby seats in is naughty,how would it be if got a disability team in childrens parking bet that would not go down well.

must just say trust is difficult but i had a very lovely male teenager(17/19) help me the other day i got stuck getting out of my car as my back decided not to play that day at that particular time,he was so nice and very gentle pulling me out,i bought him a coffee and we had a chat made my day,where have the manners gone at least i have finally met a gentleman,just once, goes to show there are not all bad thankfully i was lucky bag and me intact,i coudnt have gave chase anyway.

paula has some good answers for judgemental folk

Good on ya Marie. Definitely going to take my camera out with me.

The mothercare situation is appaling

Julie- I love the stickers!!!

I also get very annoyed about having to stand on public transport when designated seats are occupied by seemingly able bodied people ( although I have to be careful as , like us, it may be someone who might not look as if they need a seat). I did once see a young lad rush to occupy a seat on the tube. I asked him if I could have it- he tried to ignore me, so I smiled sweetly and said loudly, ' the notice says someone who is elderly or disabled'- well- I'm both, so could I have your seat please? He moved!


Just another side to it- on holiday in Italy I was told off very forcefully by a steward for using the disabled loo on the ferry boat. As I was walking ok without my stick he clearly didn't think I should have been using it.It was hilarious trying to explain through mime that I had to use it because I couldn't sit on a low level loo!!!! Not sure if he undestood or thought I was just a loony tourist. Anyone know the italian for RA?

Maria x

hi all,think i might have started something here.
went to taunton yesteerday with number one son, who parked in a normal bay, but i used my badge. there was a warden in the parking area, who rushed over as we left the car, (free disabled parking in taunton at the moment) and she walked away after checking the badge, shaking her head! i have been asked before now by the wardens to check the badge and they are a bit annoyed that its mine. (do they earn commission on tickets?)
love the sticker idea, where can we get some?
havent been out much at the moment, due to the sleepiness mode, ear problem and the fact i cannot remain standing! this tumour thing is a headache!!!!! also i sound like i'm drunk, (ear prob) this could be interesting, just imagine getting into a space, get out the car, fall over and then sound drunk. (sence of humour is stil going strong here!)
good luck all, maybe we should start a facebook page and start putting offenders on it, anyone have any thoughts?
lots of love marie xxx