Disabled drivers call for text alert system as they fear violent attack when confronting motorists who park illegally

The Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) has launched the proposal to allow disabled drivers to anonymously report other drivers who illegally park in disabled bays.

Fear of physical and verbal abuse were the top reasons disabled drivers stated they would not approach drivers parked illegally in disabled spaces, a DDAI study noted.

In total, 88pc of the 2,662 people surveyed said it was “too dangerous” to approach other drivers.

Ninety-four per cent of those surveyed said they would welcome a text service to alert a local parking warden.

Some 58pc said they had confronted someone parking in a disabled spot previously and had gotten a negative response.

They were told, “It’s none of your business” and “f***k off”. While one driver responded they had “thought disabled people didn’t go out at night”.

Respondents said those who parked in disabled spaces were “inconsiderate” and “rude”, but also “sometimes aggressive”. One respondent said if there are a “few (people) in the car, I could be attacked”.

Serial abuse was also mentioned. One respondent said they lived in sheltered accommodation, yet someone kept taking a disabled parking spot.

“I’m afraid… sometimes I need that space and she is so aggressive that it feels pointless,” they told the study.

Another disabled driver recalled a man following them to a takeaway after they’d parked in a disability ­parking spot.

Because the driver wasn’t “visually obviously” disabled, the man “angrily” approached the person, demanding to know why they had parked there.

The person said: “I felt very unsafe and was glad that I wasn’t alone. It has put me off approaching others in future.”

One report described an “anxious mum” taking up three disability parking bays “so she could get her kids’ names down for summer camps”.

In total, 89pc of those surveyed supported the implementation of a text reporting scheme.

Respondents noted such a scheme would be “anonymous and safe” and would “eliminate the fear of verbal abuse and harassment”.

Others felt it would make people “think twice” about parking in a disability spot and fear getting a fine.

Some people felt it would make it “easier and quicker to report illegal parking”, the survey noted. While it was also felt it would act as a deterrent.

Some said such a scheme would help fine those who “deserve” to be punished.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 22nd

Disability advocate Nikki Bradley, who is campaigning to have the text alert scheme introduced across Co Donegal, said: “As someone living with a physical disability, I have experienced first-hand the negative knock-on effect when someone unlawfully parks in a disabled bay.

“I’ve often found myself left with no option but to park in a ‘normal’ parking space, which makes it extremely difficult to get out of my car.”

It is an offence to misuse a disabled parking space, punishable by a parking fine of €150 which increases to €225 if not paid within 28 days.

The text alert scheme is already in use in Lucan and Rathfarnham in Dublin and Gorey in Wexford.

Richard Ryder, marketing manager with the Disabled Drivers Association, said: “Our survey wasn’t confined to our members, we received a huge response from across the community.

“It’s very clear that people want an opportunity to be able to do something about parking bay abuse, but in a safe way. It’s why we are calling on city and county councils to begin using a text alert scheme in their areas.”

Some of the verbatim responses to excuses disabled drivers had been given included:

• They were only going to be there for a minute;
• They did not reply to my pointing out that they were parking in a disabled bay. They just shrugged and walked away;
• They said they were driving their granny... who wasn’t there;
• The lady parked her car in a walkway beside the disabled parking space and it prevented me gaining access to load my wheelchair into my car. She told me she was suffering from morning sickness;
• Just told to mind my own business even though I have a permit and clearly struggling on crutches;
• Wanted the wider spot as they didn’t want their paintwork damaged;
• No excuse given. Was told to f**k off;
• They didn’t care. They had a couple of kids and a lot of shopping to do;
• I’ll only be a minute. It’s raining. You don’t really need it;
• Questioned what disability I had because I didn’t look disabled;
• Someone using a Blue Card belonging to a relative says: “But I have the person’s permission to use it.”