One powerful voice
The idea of merger with the Disabled Drivers Association
has been a common theme throughout the postwar history of the DDMC. A couple of years ago we were on the brink of a marriage but neither party reached the altar. Nevertheless, we think it is imperative that we try again and, following positive contact with the DDA, are optimistic about the meeting between both Executive Committees on September 4.
The benefits of a merger are absolutely clear. A single
powerful voice, representing the needs of all disabled drivers
and passengers, is a vital necessity in a climate that, for
profound environmental reasons, is becoming increasingly
anti-car. Both organisations campaign better in partnership
– the media coverage of the Baywatch Campaign is a classic
example – and we have an obligation to take this joint working to its logical conclusion.
A far better use of current resources, leading to the development of new services, new structures and new methods of engaging the disabled community, would be the outcome of a merged organisation. We believe that it could create an organisation fit for the battles of the future and we must do our utmost to make sure we tie the knot this time.
British Retail Complacency 
After years of inactivity on the question of parking for
disabled people, the British Retail Consortium has finally
produced a “Code of Practice.” This document says little
more than “disabled bays need to be provided and that retail
outlets should devise a method of monitoring the spaces.”
They suggest the idea of windscreen notices for bay abusers
but don't want staff involved in the prevention of abuse “for
fear of putting them at risk.” There is no mention of the need
for parking enforcement or the introduction of new technology.
So, after waiting for 20 years, we now receive a document
that is 20 years out of date, suggesting only the minimal strategies tried by the major supermarket chains for decades. Has the BRC not seen the Baywatch survey results – which show that solely relying on this type of approach leads to over 20 per cent bay abuse? Well, actually they have, as the Baywatch Campaign took time to do a formal presentation to their disability committee on this very topic. No surprise then, that although the BRC hawked their code around a number of major disability charities for endorsement, the response was less than enthusiastic. It is profoundly disappointing that the BRC has failed to learn the lessons of the Baywatch Awards, where ASDA led the way, precisely because they employ dedicated “space hosts” to police bays and offer assistance to disabled customers. Far from “putting staff at risk” the ASDA experience shows a really positive public reaction to this provision.
We believe that this Code of Practice does not even go far enough to protect BRC members from action in the courts under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act.
Following the line of least resistance is not doing anyone any
favours, least of all disabled customers.
If you want to make your views known, write to British
Retail Consortium. 21 Dartmouth Street, London SW1H 9BP.
Bringing policy-making into disrepute
So, the Transport Minister has pronounced that allowing
single occupancy disabled drivers to use the proposed
high occupancy vehicle lanes “would bring the scheme into
disrepute”.
We asked for your views in the last issue of Disabled
Motorist and we'll take these into account when formulating
a policy – but whether we come down in favour of use
by disabled motorists travelling alone or not, we can't agree
that David Jamieson's view makes much sense. What brings
a scheme into disrepute isn't properly thought out exemptions but, like the public perception of the Blue Badge, poor legislation and even poorer enforcement.
The Minister, having made up his mind, then goes on to
say that the Highways Agency will be consulting widely on
the pilot project.
Let's hope they, at least, will be listening.
So, you think you've got it tough . . .
Disabled parking often dominates the letters pages of Disabled Motorist and you could be forgiven for thinking the
situation is much better abroad – particularly in the USA. Ed Passant takes a light-hearted look at a couple of stories
from across the Atlantic
Things may get a little heated in the car park of your local NHS facility but this story from Florida takes irritation to a
whole new level.
A disabled man has been arrested after pulling out a sword during a parking space dispute when another disabled
driver produced a gun.
Lee Damron and Richard Cavalier were arguing over a disabled parking space at a hospital in Spring Hill, Florida.
After a row Damron unsheathed a sword while Cavalier raised a 9mm handgun, it is alleged. Damron has been charged with aggravated assault.
Cavalier, 59, was allowed to keep his gun because he had a concealed-weapons permit. Bystanders in the crowded
car park of Oak Hill Hospital watched as the row began after the pair both claimed the same parking space.
“We exchanged a couple of F-yous,” Cavalier said. Damron, aged 48, walked toward him holding a black cane topped
with a golden snake head.
From inside the cane, Damron produced a sword and walked “in a rather menacing manner” toward Cavalier, authorities said.
According to reports, Cavalier then lifted his handgun.
Damron stopped, turned and ran through the hospital's sliding doors, authorities said. Police arrived and Damron was arrested.
FONDLY IMAGINE that Blue Badge Fraud is a local difficulty? The situation in Los Angeles might put you straight:
Traffic officials are cracking down on what they say is an increasing practice in this car-packed metropolis: drivers
snagging handicapped spaces using fake placards, or ones borrowed from relatives.
Disabled drivers say the stolen spaces have contributed to a parking crunch so severe that they sometimes have to wait up to two hours for a vacant handicapped space.
Traffic officials say abuse of the system is widespread, with some people buying invalid permits sold at flea markets
and on the street for $25 each. Other drivers use relatives' placards or pressure doctors into writing them prescriptions
for permits they don't need.
Last year the city's 529 parking officers issued 29,727 citations for misuse of handicapped spaces or permits. That was a 32 percent increase from the 22,487 citations in 2001.
“It's a gigantic problem,” said Betty Harris, captain of the city's parking enforcement Special Operations Bureau.
“For us, we are just trying to stay ahead of the wave. It's almost like taking sand off the beach with a spoon.”
Perhaps doing the Baywatch survey isn't so bad after all . . .
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