Fed up

I dont blame you one bit. In the states we have the same problem but we have disabled on our license plates do you? Im sure your were upset about that nasty old person. Sometimes I just want to scream at some these old ones. It wouldnt do any good they wouldnt hear me anyway.heheheheh

I think that was rude and annoying. You should only have to display your badge when you are parked, that's all dad does.
Did he want or need your space or was he just being a bully?

I know how you feel because I have heard people comment because my dad has a big merc and is disabled apparently you are meant to be penniless in a small tatty car too.

I have to admit that people parking in the mum and baby spaces (for under 5's) really annoy me, even tho' Bond doesn't have a disabled badge Roo is still young enough to warrent the space and to be honest we do need it. I have had disabled people tell me that the mum and baby is their overspill and that I should move to let them in. I flash Bong's autism card and walk off but it really annoys and upsets me.

You wouldn't have a card if you didn't need the space - I can-t get one. Why can't people keep their opinions to themselves. I saw a discussion llike this a little while ago and it's unfair to juge disability on how old you are or if you can walk out of the car.

Unless they need the space desperately, then they should respect your need. If the person was desperate I'm sure you would struggle in an attepmt to help, I know I would but just for the sake of it, tell them knickers!

I can understand your frustration. But, as someone who is bothered by people who exploit the handicapped population by parking in handicapped spots just because they are closer, I understand why people might mention it to you if they don't immediately see your badge. Alot of people have handicapped right on their license plates here in PA, which I would think helps take care of that problem.

Its was a bad day just it...forget what happened and live life to its fullest. Do not mind these small things because life is much bigger than that. Try living each moment and do not give ears to such people. Never think you are wrong..just believe in the fact that God has made you the best and you able to everything. I also used to mind things in my life..but soon i realised that it useless to think like that..it will do no good to me..and nobody will come for help. I try to keep myself happy in bad situations also.....because i again say..life is after all life..what happens tomorrow nobody knows. We just know "Today"..and thats the best god's gift..that's why it is called "PRESENT"

Sorry that this happens to you. During time that I needed to use these type parking spaces as I used a walker and then a cane to walk. I was also informed I needed a decal to prove that legally I was entitled to park there. I contacted DMV and the answer was I need a certificate from my doctor confirming I was disabled. If you are caught without said proof you are liable (here in Georgia) for a $500.00 fine.

No you're right to be upset. Sad to say there are so many people who use these parking bays that don't need to so I sort of understand why people interfere but they could put things in a nicer way.

You have every right to be upset. It's hard for people to understand someone is disabled if they physically don't look it. So they jump to the conclusion that you aren't.. Don't worry about it, you know you are... they don't need to know you are. You have the badge & the disability. You owe no explanation to anyone.

Gabs, I'm sorry that you're so hurt over this. Unfortunately a lot of people are very fussy about keeping those spaces for people who need them. I know it's unfair to need the space and have someone come up and give you the third degree on it. But, yes, they obviously must look at you and see you as healthy and fit. This is great because it means you don't "look" disabled, and I'm sure you've often been complemented as being quite young looking (we've seen your pic) - another bonus.

I'm sure they don't think you love being disabled. They just haven't realised that you are in the first place. If you're not displaying a sticker on the windscreen, then, unfortunately, you just have to accept that people are going to ask why you're parking in the space in the first place. Even I admit I have a habit of looking at the windscreens of cars parked in disabled spaces to see if they've a sticker on them.

I suppose the one good thing is that at least they're paying attention to who parks in these spaces. But if they're going to ask if you realise it's a disabled space then they should be polite about it and not give you the third degree. And that guy should have apologised before he walked away.

Personally I wouldn't challenge anyone at all. I leave it up to the ticket wardens and the police to check the parking.

I don't blame you for being upset. It would be different if someone were to question your parking if you had parked, exited the vehicle and didn't display your parking badge. However, if the badge you have is like the ones we have here, they hang from the rear-view mirror and can be quite a vision obstuction, so I don't blame you for not having it hanging on the mirror at all times.

Personally I think people go looking for someone or something to criticize. It's sad, since it generally stems from the fact that they're miserable in their lives and are trying to impose their misery on others. Next time someone says something to you just ask them simply if they have nothing better to do with their time than to play "parking lot police!"

My dad has one of those and I'd like for my mom to get one. He does not have his hanging from the mirror at all times. He just slides it up abouve the visor when not in use. Then when he uses it he just slips it out and puts it on the mirror. If you were to look at him you wouldn't know he needs it. He does have trouble with his hips sometimes, especially durring the cold and has had heart problems.