10:59am Friday 19th February 2010
Sir.–I would like to respond to the letter in Thursday’s Gazette, February 4, regarding ‘Disabled Parking Cheats’.
Not all disabled people are of pensionable age and it is wrong to assume that just because a family using a disabled parking space appear young they are somehow cheats.
My wife and I were both teenagers when our daughter was born with cerebral palsy, resulting in her various disabilities.
Over the years, we have had countless run-ins with persons of an advanced age who stare, tut and even complain to us when we are seen using a disabled space.
We would love to be in a position to park anywhere and enjoy the walk to the shops with our children but unfortunately that’s not the hand we have been dealt.
Church Street is particularly bad. Drivers often wait in the disabled spaces to pick up able-bodied relatives safe in the knowledge that they can simply drive off if a parking attendant comes into view.–A Marshall, Pinnell Close, Basingstoke
Sir.–This is a response to ‘name and address withheld’ dated Thursday, February 4, regarding disabled parking cheats.
Just because people don’t have a wheelchair, crutches, limbs in plaster or a white stick, it doesn’t mean they don’t have a disability.
My father was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in August 2009. Since having extensive radiotherapy and a deterioration in his condition, he has found it increasingly difficult to get about.
With the help of his disabled badge, I was able to park closer to amenities to allow my father to still enjoy getting out and about.
To look at him, you would see no obvious disability. Maybe he should wear a hat or T-shirt to disclose his disability for the benefit of others who doubt him.
I agree that lots of people do cheat the system (in more ways than one) and that there must be stricter procedures put in place, but if someone has a blue disabled badge and is using it appropriately, they are hardly cheating the system.–Christine Marsh, Brighton Hill, Basingstoke
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