Council PCN for parking in disabled bay

[feefeec]

Hi,

I parked in a bay marked only with a wheelchair symbol on the floor as I had taken an elderly gentleman out who uses a wheelchair,

there was no other signs saying that you had to have a blue badge to park there.

 

I bought a ticket but when I came back and I had a fine for not displaying a blue badge.

I immediately got in contact with the council and explained the situation,

they have refused my request.

 

Do I continue to dispute or just pay up?

[Surfer01]

Unfortunately no BB displayed so council are correct.

[Jamberson]

Don't disabled bays require signs on poles?

[Michael Browne]

Don't disabled bays require signs on poles?

 

I suspect this is off-street, since generally on-street bays do not have 'a wheelchair symbol on the floor', so no it doesn't.

[feefeec]

Ok, thanks for the information, I was just hoping that I wouldn't have to pay as I had a wheelchair user with me!

 

Guess I'll have to pay.

[Jamberson]

If there's no clear line of appeal, then I would pay the discount, but there is an additional equalities issue here. If someone in a wheelchair needs to use those bays, but happens not to have a blue badge, then aside from the parking restrictions, there is an obligation on the council to provide facilities where reasonable, under the DDA. A reasonable adjustment could include allowing a disabled person without a blue badge to use a suitable bay.

 

Pay the charge, but you can write a letter along those lines to the council's equalities people if you like, and you never know - you may be able to get a refund if they see your point of view.

[feefeec]

Thanks Jamberson,

I did think that when I explained to the council that they would be lenient, I will do as you suggest, pay and and plead again!

[Jamberson]

OK, but don't write back to the parking people - see if you can find out if the council has an equalities officer or similar and write to them.