1st rant 2016

[timefore]

Disabled parking abuse
I used to get really angry with people (obviously able bodied) parking illegally in disabled slots when living in the UK!!
It was really gratifying to see local supermarkets now installing disabled parking - e.g. supreme - 1 badged space, shah - 4 dedicated spaces - good on them.
3 weeks ago I was discharged from hospital and on my way home my wife decided to call in at supreme and get a few bits and for me to use the wheel chair (to clear the hospital cobwebs) - yes u guessed it the disabled slot was taken so we had to park well away from the store entrance making it not worth getting the wheel chair out but leaving me with a clear view of the disabled slot - well u know what happened next a perfectly able bodied British family emerged to load up there car and drive off!!!! Minutes later a monster 4x4 rolls into the slot and the driver and mate amble into the store - patently not disabled!!!

2 days ago after another stint in hospital decided to repeat the exercise (this time at shah) this time got one of the four slots), my wife persuaded me to stay in the car (I was suffering slightly) anyway during the short stay there the other 3 spaces were taken by abled bodied divers and passengers!!!

What the f... is wrong with people why make life more difficult than it already is for disabled people?????

I know its wrong but I sometimes wish the hand of God would strike these (who show no concern for others) down some terrible DISABLING condition.

[madeincyprus]

I totally agree with you. A little thoughtfulness gose a long way. Hope you are on the mend now .

[Ragged Robin]

The problem is the UK does at least have "Disabled" badges I think they use something more politically correct now!) badges , not to mention Wardens. Without those it is not always clear that someone may be disabled (heart conditions etc) as it does not mean only wheelchair users. I for instance am it appears on the lowest level of qualification for a badge in the UK as half an hour is the limit of my walking/standing time, using a stick. I gather you can get badges here, but suspect it may be more aggro than it is worth and itselt probably involves more walking and standing than I can cope . I can use Supermarket trolleys as a walking frame at a pinch. I usually get to the shops beween 11 and 11.30. At that time Sah's Disabled spaces are usually emtpy, but by the time I leave as 12 or later they are full - and yes with not very obviously disabled people.

What really got to me was at Supreme where someone jammed a tolley while I was in the store between my drivers door and the trolley barrier. The passenger door was also blocked, so I had to open the window in the rain lean out and push the trolley away - a painful and wet process.

I dont think I could sentence anyone (well I can think of a couple but not for parking offences) but a penalty might be to disable one limb or even a joint (say put in in plaster) for a period of time - it would give them a taste of what it is like not to have full mobility.

I hope your problem is temporary and you will soon have full mobilty again.

[Maisiemoo]

Looks can be deceptive! My husband qualifies for a Blue Badge due to breathing problems which means he cannot walk too far without needing a rest, but if you were to see him getting out of a car you would probably think there was nothing wrong with him. I try nowadays not to make a judgement as to a persons fitness to park in a disabled space, although I am sure that a lot of people who do so are not really entitled to that privilege.

[terry2366]

See it all the time hear locals do not walk they would park next to their bed if they could and also many expats do not care a toss for traffic or and other rule. I suppose it's if they do it so can I.

[sophie]

Because a vast majority are selfish and ignorant. Sorry if people don't like it but that's it in a nutshell. Do what they do to us. My husband was going through a very bad spell and although not in a wheel chair needed two sticks or Zimmer frame for a week or two and also needed a good space at either side of car in order to alight. We parked on Girne municipal car park and half an hour later found our wipers pulled away from the glass. That is their sign to say you are parked where you shouldn't be and I've seen attendants doing it.

[whiskeyjoe]

I really think they should have more special parking bays here, Especially for the girls with the very high heels on , they can hardly walk, poor things,, But seriously the way some people park out here is ridiculous , Went to erdener market last week when it was raining , No one could get in or out the front door with a trolley as someone had blocked the door with their parking skills. No high heels on either. Selfish fooker ,.

[Keithcaley]

... they would park next to their bed if they could...

I have never seen it expressed so eloquently or accurately!

[muffin1]

I have mobility difficulties so make use of the disabled bays when possible. As there is no official badge here I have bought a disabled notice plaque from Superhomes in the South and display this on my dashboard. I totally agree about the selfish attitude of most people here - using these dedicated slots when they are perfectly able bodied. I did not realise until my illness 2 years ago how much difference it makes having to limp that extra distance in the car park when shopping - quite exhausting. Please show a little consideration for the genuinely disabled and do not park in these special places.

[Ragged Robin]

Please dont be silly! "Parking" a vehicle is a custom virtually unique to the British or at least to the so called anglo-saxon races! A bit like Queuing. To Cypriots, among others, the concept of "parking" is unfamiliar , one simply stops the car as near as possible to where one want to be, and gets out. Fortunately they do not like being separated for long and may be within shouting or hooting distance, sometimes even the driver stays in the car while the spouse, sister , friend, without or without one or more children goes into the shop, and if politely requested will reluctantly and slowly move it a few inches. In the good old days they did not even lock the car, so someone else could release the handbrake and with a shove from helpful onlookers steer it out of the way! Indeed I remember in Paris and Florence all parked cars were left unlocked, so that anyone wanting to get into or out of a line of parked cars simply gently nudged the cars in front and behind until they made a space. Of course that was when cars were a means of transport and not a status symbol the bigger and heavier the better to prove the power of a deficient ego over other road users.

Only the Brits appreciate that the presence of rows of lines painted on the ground near a building indicate a intriguing form of game, in which the competition is to see who can cause maximum disruption and minimise the spaces available by NOT parking between the lines and carefully placing the vehicle with one side just over a lines thus blocking two spaces . Vans, lorries and 4 x 4s of course have an advantage as they usually take at least two spaces and with a bit of effort can easily manage three. And of course a good trick is to park on the opposite slant to the other cars, or even sideways on - although the latter risks getting blocked in.

To be serious for a moment the other thing to bear in mind about people with disabilities, is that apart from the pain or discomfort attached to walking difficulties the people concerned have to walk slowly and cant make a quick dash across a carpark in adverse weather and they are particularly vulnerable to it. In mid summer the medical authorities advise unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight for anyone over 60 and weather like today's speaks for itself. It is difficult to carry a brolly or parasol if you are already struggling with shopping and a stick, cruthes or walking frame - even worse I imagine if maneuvering a wheel chair.

[Groucho]

I totally agree about the selfish attitude of most people here.

I don't find 'most' of the people here do have a selfish attitude - only some.... Seems a bit harsh to tar the majority over the few.

[mickyron]

I would love a job as traffic warden over here. I hated them back in the U.K. but it would give me the
greatest pleasure to go on to the car parks and give tickets over here, like the ones who use 2 spaces
for 1 car. The money the local Belediye could make would be fantastic.

[Ragged Robin]

The first point of my last post was intended to be mildy funny, and you are allowed a little exaggeration with humour. I do not think the rest of the posts were particularly "tarring" anyone just making the point a lot of people ignore Disabled Parking. The problem really is that people just do not want to THINK about unpleasant things - which includes disablement or understand the kind of suffering that people go through through lack of consideration unless they have suffered themselves or watched someone close suffering. Even I although slightly disabled sometimes feel guilty if I park in a space that someone much worse might need, and pangs of regret for impatience and lack of understanding of friends and family who suffered in the past

IN fact this Country neeeds a lot more than a handful of disabled parking spaces in Supermarkets before it even scratches the problems of both indigent and expatriates with a wide of range of disabilities: but as the first poster said good on them to those who have at least made a small effort in the right direction, and surely anything which highlights the problem can not be but for the good.

[snd1966]

I personally park as far away from other cars as possible, the damage one's car < generally the second most expensive thing one owns when young> collects in the car parks either here or in the uk therefore will never understand youth and able bodied people parking their pride and joy where it could be damaged.

The other half always has played the game park the furthest point away and see how many cars have parked right next to him by the time we come out. It must be a pack thing as he always catches 1

[waddo]

mickyron, good idea, if only parking illegally was actually illegal here and in particular inside of car parks, you might just be onto a winner! Always used to moan about people using two spaces then watched it all happening one day and finally understood why - it only takes one to use two spaces, the rest park alongside as parking lines (and road markings) are just ignored anyway, then the first offender comes back and drives off - leaving all the rest having taken up the wrong spaces and one of them will get the blame for having parked on two spaces!

[Groucho]

To be fair - not being able to see a disabled sign or read is a disability.... I feel like going up to these inconsiderate parkers and asking if being an idiot qualifies as a disability but my wife holds me back... bless her.

[CatalkoyChris]

I'm with snd1966
I park a good deal away from all the fuss and enjoy the walk.
It's usually quicker than creeping into a tight slot just to be near the door.

I must say though, I find driving quite refreshing and challenging when in Cyprus. It puts a grin on my face when I experience some of the bad habits and terrible driving.

Just roll with it

[jimm127]

As someone said to me many years ago, they don't park cars...they abandon them!

[sophie]

I don't why I am, because one has learned to have to come to terms with it, but there are a number of posters on this forum who are obviously fit, healthy and without any disability of any description and long may they remain so. Just in case they don't though, could they please not automatically advocate "parking as far away as possible" There are an awful lot of people for whom this is just not an option. Also I don't believe there are many of us who live here permanently who go around with a grin on our faces after just having been virtually forced off the road by a cretin in the mother of all 4x4. My sense of humour doesn't stretch that far.

[Mollie the cat]

I must say though, I find driving quite refreshing and challenging when in Cyprus. It puts a grin on my face when I experience some of the bad habits and terrible driving.

I don't get this post at all?? How can anyone find it refreshing and challenging and puts a grin on their face? The carnage every week is appalling, I hope you are not one of the statistics and leaves others smiling!

[Groucho]

I don't why I am, because one has learned to have to come to terms with it

I don't either.... whatever it is.

Sophie I don't think the poster is advocating parking in the distance for anyone other those who feel fit enough to do the walk... They are not suggesting that all people regardless of their physical condition should do so.
.

[sophie]

Grouch, am having to come to terms with people who seem to have little or no understanding of those less fit than themselves. And yes I think the poster was suggesting that we all park as far away as possible from entrances to shops etc., and then we would avoid trouble spots. Would that we could all do that.

[Ragged Robin]

Well said Sophie - there are those of us who would love to be able again to enjoy a walk across a car park, and indeed be able to buy a nice expensive car and fuss about the odd scratch to the paintTwork. But those who can should really be encouraged to take more distant spaces and leave the others for those who cant, even ifp they are thoughtlessly smug about it. There are degree of disability and those who dont necessarily need a disabled space may find a long trudge across a park as large of as Sahs troublesome. The trouble with Sah is that apart fromthe special paces all the others are separated from the entrance by roads kerbs, bus lanes, decorations etc, constituting a tripping and traffic hazzard as well as distance. Yet another case (it happens in the UKtoo) of something designed to look good but without any true thought going into it. And as someone said earlier Disabled spaces should be wider than normal to allow for people having difficulty getting in an out of a car, and unloading walking aids. Some years ago when a relative was very seriously disabled and wheelchair bound, sideways space was a major probem- even buying an estate to get the chair out of the back didnt help getting the person into it.

However this thread has solved one puzzle for me. Last time I was at Sah the special spaces and nearest part of the car park were empty but there was a group of cars parked well to the back. Presumably it was CC and his uninvited entourage. Keep it going, Chris.

[scubadubaqueen]

I frequently drive to the South, and whilst I am not disabled, have noticed that the disabled bays are normally available there. Driving standards for the most part are much better too. And of course there are a lot more cars, and I have yet to see someone chucking a plastic bottle and rubbish out of their car window. This has a lot to do with educating the ignorant and having respect for other people.

[Groucho]

I frequently drive to the South, Driving standards for the most part are much better..

You have to be joking... we saw no less than three serious accidents on one trip south in a period of about three hours... If you drive out into the suburbs there's plenty of rubbish there too...

The disabled spaces at Lidl are often frequented by the able-bodied GC's as well, it's 'a Cyprus thing' not a 'TC' thing...

[Becker]

Totally agree Groucho, no better drivers at all in RoC! Rubbish fly tipping also as bad in places,just stop & have a look over the edge around Troodos! Oh,& yes the stray dog situation is no better either!

[snd1966]

[quote="Groucho The disabled spaces at Lidl are often frequented by the able-bodied GC's as well, it's 'a Cyprus thing' not a 'TC' thing...[/quote]

Sorry its a human thing its the fines in our home country and lots of cameras which educate us

ps RR : there are those of us who would love to be able again to enjoy a walk across a car park, and indeed be able to buy a nice expensive car and fuss about the odd scratch to the paintTwork

my car is a 1996 vehicle but it is MY pride and joy and I do worry about unnecessary damage and stated very clearly in my post young and able bodied people who do have more choices which then leaves the nearer spaces for those who don't.

[Bowman]

I think the point is being missed.

The disable parking is NOT for disable drivers and/or passengers, its for drivers/passengers that have a disabled card/sticker issued by the authorities.

[tomsteel]

Bowman, who issues disabled cards/stickers in the TRNC? Where can they be collected from, cost, paperwork required etc?

[Hedge-fund]

There's is a very simple solution.

Anyone using a disabled spot who is not disabled should be beaten to an extent which enables them to use it next time they visit.

Simples!

[turtle]

[dodger]

There's is a very simple solution.

Anyone using a disabled spot who is not disabled should be beaten to an extent which enables them to use it next time they visit.

Simples!

[jofra]

B&D K-C is quicker and just as effective.....

[terry2366]

I think you all miss the point in north Cyprus disabled spaces are to deter law abiding drivers from parking in a space so lazy far arsed drivers can.

[bojoy]

In the UK it is the Property owner or Retailers responsiblity to make sure that the Disabled spaces that they have are used only by Disabled people displaying their blue badge.
Owners and Retailers can be prosecuted if they are seen to be doing nothing, if they are challenged they will say that CCTV is in operation and Security or their Staff will ask offenders to refrain from using the "Disabled" parking bay.

[tomsteel]

bojoy, the UK rules are of no interest/relevance here in the TRNC - ergo, your post is wasted on the disabled living in N Cyprus who cannot avail themselves of the service due to inconsiderate able-bodied drivers.

[sophie]

Agree tomsteel. What is the point in someone coming onto the forum and telling us the rules and regs. in UK. It just won't happen here, mores the pity!

[Ragged Robin]

Road conditions here are largely very different in the UK particularly in the rural areas and narrow village streets 10 years ago it was part of the culture for children ti play in relative safety on the street. The availability of overlarge fast modern cars is also comparatively recent, and well within the living memory of most local drivers who from 1974 until the early part of this century had to make do with elderly old fashioned cars, or lh drive imports from Turkey.

What is the excuse of those even of my generation who learnt to drive on the UKs extensive road network, and passed the UK test based on the Highway Code?

Would they drive in the UK through large puddles past houses, so fast that you soak anyone who dares to try to open their front door. The other day I tried waving the vehicles to slow down (well, the gesture might have been misinterpreted ). Only one man , an elderly Cypriot, actually even looked, slowed and gestured an apology (I think!). I happen to know that several of the drivers were British taking a short cut through the villlage.

It would be interesting to know what proportion of the Police budget and overall taxes goes is in the UK compared with the TRNC!

[scubadubaqueen]

I frequently drive to the South, Driving standards for the most part are much better..

You have to be joking... we saw no less than three serious accidents on one trip south in a period of about three hours... If you drive out into the suburbs there's plenty of rubbish there too...
The disabled spaces at Lidl are often frequented by the able-bodied GC's as well, it's 'a Cyprus thing' not a 'TC' thing...

I beg to differ. See the attached pictures (you need to be logged in) taken Saturday afternoon by my son, showing all these empty prime spaces and even the mother and baby space (a striking difference), and in MacDonald's car park close to the main Marks & Spencer in Strovolos, it was the same situation.... Full car park and 2 empty disabled spaces. However maybe this is a "Turk" thing or "Totty" thing, or just plain and simple "selfish thing". Same selfish people are all over including the UK and you will always get abusers in any country (including the RoC), but my experience as I posted previously, for the most part, paints a different story. I drive in the South a lot, all over, hence my original post. You will always get the odd bad driver, always the odd bigot wherever you live, but given that there are far far more people and cars in the South (just look at the queues inside Lidl for a start), I think it is reasonable to say my observations are correct. Far more rubbish bins too, albeit yes there is litter but not steaming piles of the stuff in ripped up bin bags with an old mattress slung here and there.


I really feel for the less able bodied, as the original poster and others are clearly affected. What SAH are doing is taking a lead in many departments including responsible recycling, but someone needs to police these disabled spaces until these ignorant and selfish people get educated. Perhaps even use wheel locks with fines for release to teach such people a lesson, with signs warning them what the outcome will be. Issuing of badges too, to the genuinely disabled, even for limited time periods by the supermarkets for those that are short term disabled.