Findings from a new survey produced by an online parking portal YourParkingSpace.co.uk has revealed shocking evidence that indicates that more than 2.5 million British people are wrongfully using the disabled parking spots.
From the survey, it discovered the many excuses of why people carry out this act; these being things like that they were in a rush, they thought no-one would notice, they didn’t care and even that they felt there should no special parking for Blue Badge holders.
However, the most common excuse out of them all was that they did not realise it was a disabled parking spot, therefore, car parks need to have more prominent signage. Although, on the plus side, many Britons said they would confront a disabled parking space offender.
However, the most common excuse out of them all was that they did not realise it was a disabled parking spot, therefore, car parks need to have more prominent signage. Although, on the plus side, many Britons said they would confront a disabled parking space offender.
Harrison Woods, managing director of YourParkingSpace.co.uk who conducted the survey, said: “It is shocking to think that there is a significant number of Brits who believe there’s nothing wrong in parking in a disabled parking spot when they have no right to.“Not only can this lead to a fine but it is also very inconsiderate to disabled drivers who might be forced to park somewhere else if the space is wrongly taken.”
Harrison also added: “Another excuse given by offenders was that the disabled parking spot was the only space available. Those drivers who feel that this is a justifiable reason should plan ahead so they aren’t parking where they are not allowed.”
The Government have employed harsher financial penalties, including increasing the maximum fine to £5,000 to misusers of on-street disabled parking spaces, almost a quarter of those surveyed wanted a further punishment of three penalty points on a driving license, while more than 1 in 10 backed the idea of community service.
Furthermore, there was a strong support that offenders are to be sent on a disability awareness course, with backing from almost a third of people, while a temporary driving ban of 3 months or less was welcomed by just under 5% of respondents.
Meanwhile, Phillip Connolly, Policy Manager of Disability Rights UK, commented: “One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves as human beings are what is it like to be someone else. For example, what is it like to be a blue badge holder in any town centre? My guess is that just to ask the question is to know that you don’t want to park in a disabled parking space if you are not disabled yourself.”
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Furthermore, there was a strong support that offenders are to be sent on a disability awareness course, with backing from almost a third of people, while a temporary driving ban of 3 months or less was welcomed by just under 5% of respondents.
Meanwhile, Phillip Connolly, Policy Manager of Disability Rights UK, commented: “One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves as human beings are what is it like to be someone else. For example, what is it like to be a blue badge holder in any town centre? My guess is that just to ask the question is to know that you don’t want to park in a disabled parking space if you are not disabled yourself.”
For more CarCliq News, click here.
Do you know your parking rights? If not, click here.
