Parking spaces taken by People Not Disabled.

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   BEAUTYBABEposted 14 years ago

   I am writing this because I have to rely on a wheelchair now to get around, because I am unable to drive anymore.However, the subject I wanted to bring up is about the number of selfish drivers and those who have no regard for people with disabilities, who park their cars in disability parking bays when they do not have a disability.
   
   Not only this, but they don't even own a Parking Disability Sticker. My husband or my carers drive me everywhere now because I no longer am able to do this for myself. I am utterly appauled by the number of drivers I have seen,who without  regard for the disabled, just drive into these Disability Parking Spaces. The worst places are in shopping Centre Carparks, where it usually is hard enough to find parking spaces without someone taking one of only a handful of Disability Parking facilities, when they can't be bothered driving around to find one that isn't one for the disabled.
   
   I am sure there are a lot of my fellow hubbers who feel the same way as I do. I have always be mindful of the people in this position when I was driving myself, and now that I am in this class myself, I can see more clearly, not that I ever did take them myself, just what BIG PROBLEM this is in Australia and I am sure that other countries have the same problem.
   
   How many more of you feel the same way as I do about this, I would love to know, because frankly I am getting very annoyed by it all and think there should be something more out there to stop this from being done. What about you? I will be very interested to know how my fellow hubbers feel about this subject.
   
   Beautybabe.

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      lady_love158posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I wonder, what did disabled people do before there were handicapped parking spaces mandated by law? Now I'm not advocating people without disabilities taking these spots but I have to say, most of the people that use them and have stickers don't appear to be disabled to me! In addition, many of these reserved spots are at least as far away as other spots and don't appear to provide any advantage at least in regard to proximity to the business entrance. In short, I think it's a stupid and ineffective law and I think the bigger problem is with people parking and loading in the fire lanes.

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         JayDeckposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Many disabled parking stickers are obtained fraudulently, used fraudulently, or maintained fraudulently. This does not mean there is not a need for the spaces. Disabled parking spaces are located and designed, by law, to provide extra space for loading and unloading i.e. ramps to be deployed, and to provide the nearest access to a lowered curb or accessible entrance. The bottom line is, if a disabled space is located in an area that doesn't make sense to you, as an able bodied person, rest assured the people who need the spots know why they are there and if the location violates the law, it usually doesn't stand for long.
         Before ADA- Americans with Disabilities Act, disabled people had little or no access to many places the able bodied took for granted. Now, as it should be, they do.

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            lady_love158posted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Yeah I get it, I'm not arguing with the need or the intent of the law only the execution, which as usual is always botched when the government is involved.
            
            Handicapped stickers or plates should only be issued to vehicles that have been modified to accommodate the handicapped. As usual when you try to cater to a specific group of people others want to be included diluting the effectiveness of the law.

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               FloBeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               There are different types of disabilities...people may have heart conditions that hinder them from walking long distances, or there are other "invisible" conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fybromyalgia, post-polio syndrome, etc where they also cannot walk long distances. While you can't visibly see a disability, doesn't mean there isn't one. It can be extremely frustrating when there is no accessible parking available or when someone has blocked wheelchair access to ramps. Most people do it out of ignorance because they've never had to deal with these types of obstacles in their life. Once they become aware of these issues they become more sensitive to the needs of people with all kinds of disabilities.

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         Marisa Wrightposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Before there was a law, disabled people struggled to find parking within a reasonable distance! 
         
         As FloBe said, there are "invisible" conditions.  I knew a 30-year-old guy who'd had a heart transplant as a teenager.  He looked healthy, but he had outgrown the donated heart and was on the waiting list for a new one. He could barely walk to the end of the hall.  Since then I've never assumed someone isn't disabled just because they look fine.
         
         In Australia, the disabled spots are always close to the entrance.
         
         I recall some research a few years ago which showed that people who park in disabled parking spaces are also more likely to be dishonest in other areas of their lives.

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      Stevennix2001posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      this reminds me a lot of an episode of seinfeld once, where George Cstanza parks in a handy cap spot when he knows he's not supposed to.  Sure, it's funny to watch on tv, as it's not reality.  anyone that says different is a hypocrite.  however, when it comes to real life, something like that is just horrible.  I know my mom just recently suffered breast cancer recently AND she's been having some problems with her ankles, so she's physically disabled at the moment.  therefore, i sympathize with what your saying.  for if this ever happened to my mother, and some non disabled jerk just took the last handicap parking spot, then I'd royally be ticked.  They would probably see a side of me that few people ever saw of me, as i usually bottle up things inside a lot.  trust me, if i were to ever let out my anger too much, I know quite a few people would end up in hospitals.  that's all im going to say.  therefore, if someone did do that to my mother, i probably wouldn't hold myself back with ideology of "right and wrong" or fear of law enforcement officials.  Anyways, I should probably stop right here, as I feel like I'm babbling right now.   
      
      seriously, i'm deeply sorry to hear that you had to go through that, as there are a lot of insensitive jerks out there.

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   ftclickposted 14 years ago

   It is annoying to have that happen when you have the right and they don't. Happens a lot nowadays. Although, and many can agree, there are far too many handicapped spaces at certain stores.
   
   Maybe a camera to send them a ticket. Counties and cities are strapped for cash; similar to red light camera tickets, install camera handicapped parking tickets. It'll probably be here.  Being a fitness freak, I never minded walking to get some exercise but I do have a gimpy ankle. BTW, I do give longer than normal stares at the handicap parking spot offenders.

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   lrohnerposted 14 years ago

   I am not handicapped, but it drives me crazy when I see someone with a valid handicapped tag park in one of the spots, and it is clearly obvious when they get out of the car that they are using someone else's car or tag. If they don't have the handicapped person in the car, they should park where the rest of us do.

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      psycheskinnerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Or maybe they have a non-visible disability?

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         lrohnerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         You are right. But if they are physically capable of hopping out of a car and taking a nice brisk walk to the store's door, they should leave that spot for folks who have worse troubles. Just my two cents.

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   BEAUTYBABEposted 14 years ago

   Hi Guys,
   Thank you so much for your support on this issue.
   I have decided to write to the City Council i our area.. I am sick and tired of seeing this again and again.
   
   Only the other day, at my Doctor's General Practice, a lady drove into one of the Handicapped spaces. I watched with my husband to see if she had a sticker and she didn't have one. It was also obvious to both of us that there wasn't any evidence of a physical disability. My husband was very annoyed as she has taken the space that we could have had that space. However, just as she was getting outof her car, Richard got out and said to her, that we had a wheel chair and that I could not walk very far so we needed that parking space. Do you know what her response was, " Excuse me, but I was here first."
   
   You can imagine what his reaction to her remark was, can't you?
   He was livid. He promptly reminded her that she was parking in a Handicapped Parking Space, that she didn't have a sticker and from what he could tell, she wasn't handicapped. Well, she realised that she was in the wrong, followed by sorry and went into the Doctor's surgery. We parked our car on the other side of the road, which was the only area left, and followed her inside.We told the receptionist, who was a friend and in charge of the practice, what ahad happened and she quietly went up and told her that those parking spaces were put there for people with disabilities, that needed to get closer to the surgery because they could not walk very far or needed a wheelchair. So she had to move her car. She was not happy but we at least got  the satisfaction of seeing her have to move. They have put a sign up now that only people with parking permits were allowed to park in their spaces.
   
   What a relief, so it can happen. We got our space that day, but just think of the poor people who don't get that space they need to park.
   
   If every one did the same, maybe we could get a bit more satisfaction. What do you think about that? We did it, so can you if you have the problem where you live.
   
   God Luck and thanks again for your support.
   Love Beautbabe.

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   Mighty Momposted 14 years ago

   Although not a perfect system, here in California abusers pay a hefty fine for parking in a handicapped spot. I know because the gentleman who sold us our house in 2007 sometimes still gets mail here. I happened to see a ticket for parking in a handicapped spot -- the fee? $900. Ouch!! That should be a good deterrent.
   
   In this era of camera phones, it should be an easy matter of snapping a few pics of the offender (sans handicapped placard) and uploading them and sending them in to the powers that be. Not unlike the signs (here) that encourage people to report drunk drivers.
   
   Alas, like any privilege associated with driving, unfortunately there are going to be those who abuse it and don't care who sees.
   
   Beauty Babe, I love your story -- glad the receptionist did the right thing by you!
   
   Final thought. It is too easy to judge that someone is "unworthy" of a placard. They very well may have disabilities that are not blatantly physical, but nonetheless deserving of the placard. I would have to research to see if conditions like diabetes, heart disease or even mental illness might qualify one for closer parking....

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   frogdroppingposted 14 years ago

   I'm with lrohner on this one. Other than the 'they just shouldn't do it' perspective.
   
   'Twas only a couple of days ago that I watched a young couple climb out of their car, the husband hauling a heck of a cumbersome stoller out the boot (with ease), whilst mum hauled their children out. The baby she handled with equal dexterity - I couldn't honestly imagine what disability either of them had. The children were all happy and mobile.
   
   As they walked off, I still couldn't figure out why they had a disability badge in their vehicle window. Fact was - they did.

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   WryLiltposted 14 years ago

   (Half) on topic, I have a story.
   
   I have a friend with degenerative MS, who can no longer walk. A few months back she went to shop and her husband drove around the parking lot twice and all the disabled parking spots were full. (And they're not the type to take something easily even if provided for them, so they drove around looking first.)
   
   They finally found a free 'pram' parking spot.
   
   When they got back, there was a rude note placed on their windscreen from a woman who claimed that their parking in that spot made her walk a long way with her baby.
   
   My friend was very upset and I ended up writing a letter to the editor about it in the local newspaper.
   
   But seriously... the note was placed right beside the disabled sticker. What? A baby is harder to carry than a wheelchair? Having parked more than once in a normal spot with a baby, it's no big deal. Anything is doable if you have to do it.

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   Diane Insideposted 14 years ago

   WryLilt I see that all the time, around here, there is something about pregnant women can  park in handicap spots, but not after they have had their babies.
   
   In general I see people who have stickers all the time that don't appear to have anything wrong with them. It just burns my biscuits.
   
   I also see people in the Walmart take those motorized chairs to ride around on, who are well I can say it just fat.
   
   They walk in there fine, but then take a motorized wheelchair, forgive me for saying it but they could use a good walk around walmart. It would do them some good.

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      cozmikangelposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Im one of those people who looks like theres nothing wrong with them im sad to say.. but to be honest i suffer with oesteo-porosis and although i look ok.. beleive me im not.. i sickens me to see tese blue badges all over the place more than 1/2 are fake,ive had mine 6 years  now and ive just fought 2 yrs to have a disabled bay over the road from my house.. it was 2 yrs of pure hell because the neighbour i wanted it just to the right of her gate refused and sent the council a petition against it..well it worked for a while then i decided to fight it, the houses on her side hers #7  #11 #13 #15 #17 all signed exept for #9 who tod me he would let me have it there. hes such a gentleman
      Now i have it the woman in #17 way down the road has a very nasty habbit of parking her car inside the lines..takeing 2 foot off which because its a 1 way street, cars park on the other side so backing in to this space is impossible.. and she knows what shes doing,, and that gets me real angry.. im wondering if her car hanging over this 2 foot is legal?
      or can i have  something done to stop this...
      
      Diane i agree toatlly  with you dear.. most of these motorised vichical users are just damn lazy..i go to my shops on foot although in some pain i do like to keep my bones flexable.. and see its as a form of exersise in its self
      
      in my local sainsburys, one night i went shopping and to my disgust a car was parked in a disabled bay.. no other bays or paking was available.. so i had to wait
      10 minutes later AN EMPLOYEE of this shop wandered to this car with 3 other females in got in and drove off NO STICKER.. well that really peived me off so im sorry i had to report her to the manager
      So betwen fake badges, lazy people and inconciderate  jerks
      i think there should be a law brought out so individuals can take pics of the offending cars, which would be a legal peice of evidance to give out tickets
      
      i know its wishful thinking but woudnt it be great  hahahaahha
      
      Lyndia

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   LaMamaLoliposted 14 years ago

   I can see it's the same all over the world. Here in London, it's gone up a notch. A chauffeur who regularly drives to Heathrow airport to drop off and pick up people is continually approached by people with disabled badges offering to "rent" him the badges for 150 pounds.  I should point out that these people are definately not disabled and seem to think they have some kind of "status" because they have been "clever" enough to fool the council into thinking they are. Some people are just scum.

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    Aiden Robertsposted 14 years ago

    Yes this happens all over the world and it really get's under my skin, so much so I have had many stand up "debates" with selfish individuals.
    
    I don't get angry with them; I try to be reasonable with them and explain the difficulties people with disabilities have, most of which goes right over their head.
    
    In the UK there are two legitimate ways of getting a blue badge:
    
    1)Being awarded the highest rate of the mobility component in Disability Living Allowance, this means you are virtually unable to walk. It is not a true observation of a physical disability rather a legal term used to decide whether a person meets the criteria. 
    
    2) Undergoing a fairly strict medical assessment to demonstrate your disability.
    
    The third way is too buy a fake blue badge which seems to be rife at the moment and endorses my theory that these people are down right selfish.
    
    In relation to the level or nature of disability it is my humble opinion that if you have been granted a blue badge via one of the legitimate routes then you have a right to use it in a disabled parking bay, not every disability is obvious to the eye but that should in no way take away from the problems some people have.
    
    Sadly the world or rather a minority of it's inhabitants are becoming more selfish by the day, we should all try to respect others and their differences; only then will our daily lives be fairer and for some a whole lot easier.

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    paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

    “Parking spaces taken by People Not Disabled.”
    
    Alas, there are rude, tacky people everywhere. These are the same ones that litter, keep any lost wallets they find, etc.
    
    As for the ones that illegally park in the disability spaces; do you have a cell phone?
    
    Call the police. Use the 7-digit number, not the 911 number. If they are not busy, they will be more than happy to come out and collect an extra $500 in fines for the city coffers.
    
    Edit: I see that there are a lot of non-US posters here. Please interpret my number references as to your own country’s standards. Sorry about that.

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    curlyshookposted 14 years ago

    Our local Woolworths is being remodelled. The ones doing the work fenced off BOTH of the disbled bays to use for their skip bins. Had to go to National Disability Services just to get them moved. The store manager promised and gave his word it would not happen again and was fixed. It was-for a day!!!!! Then the builders took back one of the bays. It has so far taken two days trying to get it moved. The manager says he is "embarrassed" about it happening. NDS are ropable. I have put them on notice that if it is not fixed by today and stays fixed then they will be the subject of a claim to the equal opportuniy commission. The manager should be embarrassed. He has not shown any management skill and had to face me in front of other customers, all of whom told him they agreed with what I said. I might have a disability, but I got more stubborn than any bulldog when I am right!

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    Cagsilposted 14 years ago

    People who are not disabled taking up disabled parking spots are annoying. I have reported cars and license plates to management of the store and they have had cars towed away.

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    Mishaposted 14 years ago

    I am afraid it will get worse before it gets better. Whole generations have been raised with "entitlement" attitude...

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    Ralph Deedsposted 14 years ago

    Yep! A couple of times I've said things to non-disabled people who parked in disabled spaces.
    
    You hit a nerve with this topic.

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    Beth100posted 14 years ago

    It is most frustrating!!  Luckily, in the city that I live, heavy fines are given to those who are not parking in the handicap spaces legitimately.  In addition, those who have a permit, must apply yearly to ensure that they actually require the access to these parking stalls.  In all parking garages and lots, there are security and police who monitor these spaces.  They also monitor the spaces that are reserved for pregnant moms or parents with young children, though fines are not levied for those who take the spaces.  Instead, their vehicles are towed and impounded until they pay the release fine. 
    
    The laws regarding the handicap spaces have decreased the illegal use of them by able people.
    
    It is upsetting to hear that this is happening to you when you go out.

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       Mikeydoesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I feel sorrow for you, however I am not for the handicap parking system. Also I am not for manditory ramps and people calling police or reporting people. It is a touchy subject and I can't explain everything thoroughly, but I will do my best.
       
       It is true that some people do need close parking spots, however it is very simple to get a handicap sticker. Most supposed handicapped people who constantly complain are just lazy themselves. If the parking spots were not available most could easily find a way in( of course not all actually can). But most whether you want to believe it or not are just lazy and sometimes just downright liars.
       
       97% of the time I go to a busy place there are no parking spots open and 15 handicap spots with cars never in them. Why? We are being over sensitive to them. These people feel it is a god given right to get prime parking, it shouldn't be this way at all. You can say that I don't have legs how do you expect me to get into the store? Easy if the store wants your business they will make it accessable to you. Not to mention there are always random people willing to open a door for you and take the time to make sure you get in. If there isn't a ramp at a store you want  to go to, instead of complaining about it go to a different store, there are tons I promise you. You may be handicapped but maybe the owner has little money and can't afford a ramp to help a select few customers make it on their store. In turn you make them spend their hard earned money on something that you think should be mandatory. Now not only are you crippled so is the business after forking out thousands for a ramp and custom handicapped things.
       
       Watch penn and teller bulls@&$ very interesting and brings up a lot of good points.
       
       Now I'm not saying there shouldn't be spots, but do you honestly think the gov't cares, you are making them tons of money for spots that are 10 times out of 10 vacant, and mandatory.
       
       My gram is 80 years old, and she walks very slow. My grampa is heavy set and can walk the distance, so what does he do? He drops her off at the front  and she walks all around the store with little problems. And when it's time to be picked up he picks her up at the front.

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    Beth100posted 14 years ago

    Mikeydoes,
    
    I don't know about laws anywhere else but in my own country.  That being said, it is the LAW that all buildings that are meant for public use must be handicap accessible.  It is not the tenant that continues to pay for ramps.  It is the responsiblity of the developer who must pay for this -- the developer has no choice.
    
    As for being lazy, I would not say that a parapalegic is lazy to wheel himself through 12" of snow and sleet when the wind chill brings the temperature down to -20 Celcius.  It is downright dangerous to their lives to be wheeling through a parkade or parking lot when the weather is bad. 
    
    As for physically challenged -- there are many disablilities.  These range from blindness, missing limbs, bariatric cases, people with cardiopulminary complications, people who have limited joint movement and I could list a few hundred more ailments and diseases that warrant these people to have access to these spaces.
    
    Just because one does not see the disease or handicap, does not mean that it does not exist. 
    
    As for obtaining permits, in my country, it is not as simple as walking into motor vehicles and signing a form.  There must be physicians authorization plus proof of testing that warrants the issuance of this permit. 
    
    I have navigated through buildings, streets, houses, parking garages, parking lots, public transportation systems and other places while confined in a wheelchair.  Luckily, I am no longer in one, but rest assured, when you cannot reach the elevator button to push the floor that you have to get to, you will come to appreciate the challenges that phsyically challenged people must face on a day to day basis.  And, not all people will open the door for you.  Some have let the door slam in my face, others stand impatiently while I tried to open the door when I was pinned between the door and the door frame.  I learned that one cannot rely on the "goodness of others" because it does not exist in many people. 
    
    For many students studying architecture, building sciences, humanity and a few other streams, it is part of their cirriculum that they experience life as a disabled person -- that means, they could be confined in a wheelchair, use only a walker, be blindfolded and navigate around the city blind, have earplugs to be deaf, not be allowed to speak.  By living in the shoes of another, they come to appreciate how life is for those who are not as fortunate as those who have full health. 
    
    Sorry, beautybabe, for taking up so much of your thread.  Maybe I've opened a can of worms for you, but I'll leave now so as to keep your thread intact.  Yes, I'm in the mood for a heated argument, and can't think of a better topic than this one.   
    
    Best of luck with future parking endeavors.

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       Mikeydoesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       What is a paraplegic doing out by himself in that kind of weather? So if you can't see an ailment and the person is capable to walk, obviously he can't just take another parking spot.
       
       The beauty of the human body is it can handle almost anything. And that includes the brain. Use it to decipher whether or not you should go to this certain store, or perhaps have someone pick it up for you. Or even one better, you can use what you are staring at to order anything you need. Screwing people out of unused parking spots and sending the $500 to the gov't is ridiculous.
       
       You are assuming the person putting in the ramp is loaded with money. That is a pretty bold statement and ultimately wrong in a lot of cases.
       
       What ever happened to freedom of choice? As an owner it should be my choice if I want handicap spots or not, just like it should be my choice to vote.   If you don't like it you don't have to come to my place. You also forget that these handicapped people completely ruin businesses reputations. Just because they don't want a ramp or handicap spots. The simple fix is go somewhere else. smart businesses including mine will have access because it is another customer you could serve. But making it mandatory that defies being American and or being free. I'm aware some aren't from the US.

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          JayDeckposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          @ Mikeydoes defies being free?!? Whose freedom are you talking about? Let's not forget, legislation like IDEA and ADA has historically been a response to wars and wounded veterans coming home.
          It's been 20 years since the ADA was enacted, if you haven't saved enough for a ramp in that time, i have no sympathy for you. If your business is much younger than that, you should have started it in an accessible location.
          Equal protection under the law, it is guaranteed in the Constitution and is absolutely American.

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             Mikeydoesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             What you are saying has merit to it, I'm not disagreeing with you, you fAil to understand what I am talking about it seems. This is not something that should be enforced by the gov't, people themselves can do it without authorities. Let's not forget you we are talking about parking spots that at any time the majority are never in use, and in most cases if you are able to get yourself to the store you can walk another 10 ft or use your thinking to find alternatives that are easier on you. For instance ordering off the Internet.
             
             I do disagree that you think everyone should have enough money to support 1 or 2 disabled people to their business monthly. It sometimes is not worth it. That ADA you are talking about is exactly what doesn't need to be there. We are talking about a small amount of the population (disabled who need parking spots)and an even smaller amount of people who take those spots. Sending pics in does no good. The money goes to the gov't, you complainant taxes yet let them take other people's money. In turn they raise taxes and do nothing to actually help the disabled.

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    JayDeckposted 14 years ago

    This law is enforceable by the public in most states. Take a picture of the spot with the offending car in it (license plate included) and send it along with a narrative of the time and place of the offense, to your local PD. They will recieve a ticket. I know of people for whom this is their purpose in life, and they are able-bodied.
    As for those who complain about disabled parking: A) You can't penalize the vast majority of placard holders, who are legitimately in need of access, because of a few abusers who should not have them at all.
    B) Walk! Geez! Statistically speaking, as Americans, we could all use the exercise! To deny a wounded veteran,for example, because you're too lazy to walk an extra 10 yards!!! COME ON!

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    Diane Insideposted 14 years ago

    I just want to say, that I agree that some people do need these parking spots, but being a therapist. I teach people to go shopping or do any other business in the least busy time of day. Try to go after a nap, or when fully rested. Don't always opt for handicap parking, because a little exercise will do them good. Don't just take motorized scooters to get around in.  Take note of where benches are for rest. And use them when needed.  While it is necessary for some people to use these spots. More times than not it is better for them to use this opportunity to get some exercise. 
    
    For wheelchairs in fair weather, it is better to park in the farthest parkiing spots. where there maybe more room. And yes you may have to wheel yourself in further. But that's good for you. Unless you are incapable of that much activity, in which case you probably shouldn't be driving and should have a driver, who can push you into the store.
    
    Sorry if this offends some and don't get me wrong I still hate to see this being abused. But it is in the best interest of some folks to get the exercise.

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       Mikeydoesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Sadly the truth does offend people.

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       JayDeckposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       In most places, the handicap parking is wider. If you have a vehicle with a ramp, there may be no other place to park that will guarentee you access to your van when you return. Wheelchair bound people will need room to enter their cars and stow their seats; the spaces are designed for that. We are not talking about the overweight scooter crowd, yeah they tend to get placards, and they could use the exercise, but the spots are there for much more than that.
       Yes, heart patients may choose to walk, as it is better for their recovery, but these are not even close to the only people who need the spots.

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    android242posted 13 years ago

    Ok so I'm not trying to be offensive in any way. I also don't like it when a non disabled person parks in a handycapped spot, granted mostly because I'm not allowed to. My question is how is it decided how many hc spots belong in a parking lot. For example at my local Target there are 20 hc spots, the only time I ever see them full is during the hollidays. Most of the year I see 4 or 5 spots taken even when the lot is full on a busy day. As I circle past 5 or 6 times and see those empty spaces I get more and more frustrated. I believe there should be enough and I get that there are people that need them but from what I can tell who ever desides how many has there figures mixed up. Maby if I understand the process of how many are need I won't be left grinding my teeth so often. Any ideas?

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    Justsilvieposted 13 years ago

    For those parking in those spots, shame on you! 
    
    I have rarely been in a FULL parking lot.
    
    That people complain because few Handicapped spots are unused is amazing to me. For those of you that find that a problem, why not walk a bit, enjoy the movement, relax your mind  and thank your lucky stars you don't need that spot close to the door. You may someday.
    
    Good grief someone with a disability seen or unseen biggest wish is to have as much independence as possible and just live as normally as possible. I cannot believe that there are people who begrudge them that.

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