Blatant misuse of blue badges
Having been a resident of Oakham for the past nine years, I feel it is about time to put pen to paper about the blatant misuse of the blue disabled badge, with reference to disabled parking outside the Wilkinson store in Oakham.Most days – especially Saturdays – vehicles displaying a blue disabled badge can be found “abandoned” on the double yellow lines on the junction/corner of John Street and New Street (as well as parking in the bus stop bays).
This is dangerous and illegal, as the vehicles are blocking a junction and creating an obstruction, especially to the buses turning left on to New Street. Though I do not have a problem with blue badge holders parking on double yellow lines where appropriate, the individuals who insist on parking in these positions are in breach of the Highway Code, paragraph 243: (examples) says: “Do not stop or park:
At or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank stop;
Opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space.”
And the blue badge holders’ booklet, The Blue Badge scheme: rights and responsibilities in England, produced by the Department of Transport: Page 21 Safe and responsible parking, says:
“Do not park where it would endanger, inconvenience or obstruct pedestrians or other road users. Examples of dangerous or obstructive parking include the following, although there are others: Parking opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space;
Where it would hold up traffic, such as in narrow stretches of road or blocking vehicle entrances;
Where the kerb has been lowered or the road raised to help wheelchair users;”
There is also a cautionary notice: “The Blue Badge is not a licence to park anywhere. If you park where it would cause an obstruction or danger to other road users you could be fined or have your vehicle removed.”
Perhaps the individuals, who insist on parking on the junction/corner of John Street/New Street and in the bus stop bays, as well as our traffic wardens, are unaware of these regulations.
In which case, by printing this letter we might be able to educate them in the error of their ways and make this junction a safer place for both pedestrians and drivers of all vehicles.
G P Kent
Harrington Way,
Oakham
www.rutland-times.co.uk/news/letters
I agee with the letter writer the blue badge scheme is abused often here in Oakham, other road users and pedestrians are put at risk. I know you don't need to be immobile to claim a blue badge. This very clear here in Oakham I don't think I have seen one user take a wheel chair or stick from a car lately.
To me and others it seems to be more convenience than anything else. Bank, shop, council meetings whatever.
The writer mentions Wilkinson, that reminds me of the former Councillor Jan Fillingham, when she served as a Councillor claimed a residents permit to park near the store. After this was pointed out she used a blue badge.
Currently Oakham Town Councillor Maureen Dodds has a blue badge, attending meetings she often ignores parking bays not far from the council office and parks up the road on double yellow lines? After the meetings she drives around the corner and parks on the double yellow lines outside the pub and knocks back a few shorts and staggers back to her car. The Blue Badge seems to have become a badge of convenience here in Oakham.
