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Post by monklady123 on Jul 3, 2016 18:36:08 GMT
I thought of the Peas today as I called the police on handicapped parking spot violators.  Backstory: -- My church has moved out of our old building and we're renting the chapel in a HUGE former Methodist church that's now "The Methodist Center". They rent out space to a preschool, various community groups, a clothing bank, and on Sunday there are maybe five or six different church groups meeting there. One uses the sanctuary, we use the chapel, one the fellowship hall, one the large Sunday school room in the other building, etc. -- There is one parking lot, not large, and a small alley-like extension off of the parking lot where the handicapped parking is. There are six spots there, and two on the street. -- A few of the churches start their worship earlier than we do (we're at 11:00) so by the time we get there the parking lot and surrounding streets are totally full (I bet the neighbors just love that). I usually have to park at least three or four blocks away. Really no problem in the good weather, and I could use the exercise. -- But -- dd just had knee surgery and is in one of those hip-to-ankle contraptions that locks at the knee to prevent bending. Hers is still locked because it's only been 12 days since surgery. We have a temporary handicapped placard because she's using crutches and isn't allowed to put any weight at all on the one foot. -- She hasn't been to church yet since the surgery, but for the past several Sundays I've noticed that every single handicapped spot is filled, so I've been trying to figure out how to get her there. I've decided I could pull up to the fire lane (where it says "no standing"), put my flashers on, help her out and in to the chapel, then go park the car four blocks away, then do that in reverse when we're done. -- BUT -- last week I noticed one car had no placard or license plate. grrr... So this morning I checked and FOUR of the six spots were taken by cars with no handicapped designation! (I didn't check the two on the street because they're too far for dd to crutch from.) So I called the police. When our service was done and we came out I saw tickets on those cars. Yay me. Now normally I'm not the type to police other people, and to be honest before dd's surgery I wouldn't have even noticed those cars without tags. But since the surgery I've become very aware of how inaccessible some places are, and about the whole parking thing. And really, for me and dd it would probably work out okay if I did the pull-up-and-drop-her-off thing (even though I'd have to do it in a fire lane). But what about the person who's driving him- or herself and who needs a handicapped spot? They could never walk from four blocks away. Anyway, I confess I did feel a bit guilty. And if it was just our church I would have just gone in and said "hey, whoever's car is out there in the handicapped spot go move it!" lol. But I'm not prepared to run all over a huge church and another huge building next door, trying to find whoever owns those cars, especially not when dd will be waiting in the van. So that's my "I thought of the Peas" story today. And it all makes me so much more appreciative of the ability I have to get around, and that dd's problem is only temporary. |
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Post by peanutterbutter on Jul 3, 2016 18:43:43 GMT
I never question a handicapped placard/plate,but if you need to use the space, you need to get one, they are easy enough to get. I don't blame you for calling the police, people need to pay attention!
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oldcrow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,828 
Location: Ontario,Canada
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Post by oldcrow on Jul 3, 2016 18:46:05 GMT
I'm glad you did. I feel they deserve the ticket. Hopefully, they will have learned their lesson.
Guess even *good* people can be rude and thoughtless.
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georgiapea
Drama Llama
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Post by georgiapea on Jul 3, 2016 18:47:19 GMT
I would speak to the Methodist Center people about what to do. Perhaps they would sanction a polite notice to be placed on the violating cars.
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pridemom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,843
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Post by pridemom on Jul 3, 2016 19:00:28 GMT
As the driver transporting her, you can park there. The person issued the permit has to be transported for the trip. You can report those illegally parked to the police and they can be ticketed.
On this topic, never question whether someone is "disabled enough" to have and use a handicapped parking permit. That's between the individual and their doctor. A doctor's signature is required on the application. I have a permit and use it about 10% of the time. My RA symptoms vary and most days I don't need it, but when I use it, I really need it. I may look fine from the outside, but the energy it takes to make it around a store/mall/etc., can wipe me out for the rest of the day. I've had DH literally drag me by pulling the shopping cart around the store while I held on, forcing me to move around the store.
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Post by supersoda on Jul 3, 2016 19:07:43 GMT
On this topic, never question whether someone is "disabled enough" to have and use a handicapped parking permit. That's between the individual and their doctor. A doctor's signature is required on the application. I have a permit and use it about 10% of the time. My RA symptoms vary and most days I don't need it, but when I use it, I really need it. I may look fine from the outside, but the energy it takes to make it around a store/mall/etc., can wipe me out for the rest of the day. I've had DH literally drag me by pulling the shopping cart around the store while I held on, forcing me to move around the store. This. My mother developed RA in her early 30s and had her first hip replacement in her 40s. It was not uncommon for her to get flack for parking in the handicapped spots, with a placard, because she looked too young and healthy to be handicapped. OP, I think your action was absolutely appropriate. |
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Post by refugeepea on Jul 3, 2016 19:09:06 GMT
I'm happy you called the police! I have a placard for my son. To me there's a difference between judging those who have one and judging those who do NOT have one and park in those spots.
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jul 3, 2016 19:13:56 GMT
As the driver transporting her, you can park there. The person issued the permit has to be transported for the trip. You can report those illegally parked to the police and they can be ticketed. On this topic, never question whether someone is "disabled enough" to have and use a handicapped parking permit. That's between the individual and their doctor. A doctor's signature is required on the application. I have a permit and use it about 10% of the time. My RA symptoms vary and most days I don't need it, but when I use it, I really need it. I may look fine from the outside, but the energy it takes to make it around a store/mall/etc., can wipe me out for the rest of the day. I've had DH literally drag me by pulling the shopping cart around the store while I held on, forcing me to move around the store. This is absolutely true. On the flip side, however, are the people who use their relative's permit for their own personal *I can park up close* when they do not have the handicapped person with them.  ETA: OP, kudos to you for calling the police. |
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Post by scrapqueen01 on Jul 3, 2016 19:14:24 GMT
I've noticed people at my church are pretty bad about parking in the handicap parking spaces. We don't have signs up but the spaces are painted blue with the symbol on the pavement in each space. The worse offenders are the boys and girls club parents picking their children up. Don't feel guilty about calling police about it. Maybe it will make the offenders more aware in the future.
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Rainbow
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Where salt is in the air and sand is at my feet...
Posts: 4,103
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Post by Rainbow on Jul 3, 2016 19:20:38 GMT
I dislike it when people park there without a placard. Maybe some forgot to put it up or laid it on the dash. I've done that before when I was at the beach. I did get a ticket which was dismissed when I showed the placard and explained.
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Post by Really Red on Jul 3, 2016 20:28:20 GMT
I think about my 85-year-old mom who would NEVER use a handicapped sticker, even after her knee replacement. She always felt there were those who needed it more.
And while I never question when I see a sticker, I must admit I feel hugely skeptical when I see a person pop out of the car and RUN (or fast walk) into the store.
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eleezybeth
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Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
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Post by eleezybeth on Jul 3, 2016 20:39:05 GMT
I tried to get a guy with a placard to park in the handicap spot because the lot is so small and parking is such a premium. He refused! LOL! He said, he'd just walk from "there" or 3 spots down. It really cracked me up. Dude, we need YOU the only guy HERE who CAN park in that space to park in that space.
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LeaP
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Posts: 3,939
Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
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Post by LeaP on Jul 3, 2016 21:08:48 GMT
This past week I was driving my elderly handicapped neighbor around. At AAA I parked her car in handicapped spaces and noticed there was a car without tags parked in one of the spots.
I was busy getting my Judgy McJudgypants in a knot when the owner came out. She had a walker and struggled greatly to get into her car. I hung my head in shame.
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Post by leftturnonly on Jul 3, 2016 21:19:49 GMT
In the long run, you've done a lot of people a good deed.
It's not like people don't know they shouldn't take these spots if they don't have a need for them. This isn't exactly something new that they have to get used to.
So sorry. BuhBye!
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Post by leftturnonly on Jul 3, 2016 21:23:18 GMT
This past week I was driving my elderly handicapped neighbor around. At AAA I parked her car in handicapped spaces and noticed there was a car without tags parked in one of the spots. I was busy getting my Judgy McJudgypants in a knot when the owner came out. She had a walker and struggled greatly to get into her car. I hung my head in shame. I thought of that. If there was ample parking, it might not matter. But there isn't so it does. These handicapped spots are set aside for people with the tags to go with them. The elderly woman very likely has a placard she can stick in the window and just didn't bother. If that's the case at the church, the tickets will be dismissed and they'll bother the next time they park there. Sometimes you've gotta do what you've gotta do. |
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Post by secondlife on Jul 3, 2016 21:25:58 GMT
This past week I was driving my elderly handicapped neighbor around. At AAA I parked her car in handicapped spaces and noticed there was a car without tags parked in one of the spots. I was busy getting my Judgy McJudgypants in a knot when the owner came out. She had a walker and struggled greatly to get into her car. I hung my head in shame. I understand this, I do. But last week I was at Panera getting lunch for my crew and a jerkoff in an expensive BMW got mad that someone beat him to a good parking spot so he backed his expensive BMW into the only available handicap spot and wandered right into the wine bar for lunch. People like that guy ruined it for the lady you saw with the walker by parking in a spot he only needed because of his self-importance. Without jerks like him I would assume that a person parked in the handicap spot without a placard actually needed it but happened to not have their placard available. But because people are so damn rude, she really needed to display her placard. You don't even have to go to the DMV to get it - you can have them mail it to you. It's the law, and it also means no one has a legit reason to misunderstand why you are parked there. |
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LeaP
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Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
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Post by LeaP on Jul 3, 2016 21:34:13 GMT
secondlife , I live in Los Angeles and see much of what you describe. It does really suck. Not to mention a lot of the people who drive downtown and park at meters with handicapped placards. It was in the LA Times a couple of years ago. monklady123 I am glad they got tickets. If they persist a tow truck might drive the point home.
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Post by idahomom on Jul 3, 2016 21:52:04 GMT
I was just talking about this with my mom last night. I don't use a placard because I feel so judged. I don't appear handicapped and most days I move just fine. But at 42 I had two knee replacements and a hip replacement. This year I'll be getting both knees revised and my other hip replaced. Some days are painful. I also should use the handicapped bathroom stall for the taller toilet due to the hip replacement, but I feel judged there too. People have handicaps that you don't see, but we live in a judgy judge world.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 16, 2024 17:44:06 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2016 21:53:02 GMT
I don't blame you one bit for calling it in and I would've done the same thing.
Serves them right.
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Post by hop2 on Jul 3, 2016 22:03:51 GMT
I was just talking about this with my mom last night. I don't use a placard because I feel so judged. I don't appear handicapped and most days I move just fine. But at 42 I had two knee replacements and a hip replacement. This year I'll be getting both knees revised and my other hip replaced. Some days are painful. I also should use the handicapped bathroom stall for the taller toilet due to the hip replacement, but I feel judged there too. People have handicaps that you don't see, but we live in a judgy judge world. . Go ahead and use the handicapped bathroom stall. There arent any legal requirements to use it. I do, I find the higher toilet easier to use. It's not like I camp out in there. |
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Post by lisacharlotte on Jul 3, 2016 22:04:17 GMT
But here's the thing. There is no judgement involved. You either have handicap privileges or you don't. You have to have the tag or license plate. I would not feel any guilt at calling the police on a car parked illegally. And even if she's old with a walker she cannot legally park in a handicap spot without a tag or license.
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Post by mollycoddle on Jul 3, 2016 22:18:40 GMT
Good for you. My mom lost half of one leg, and nothing ticks me off quite so much as some entitled jerk a hurry who just takes one of those spots without thinking. There are people out there who really need those spots.
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pridemom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,843
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Post by pridemom on Jul 3, 2016 22:47:37 GMT
I was just talking about this with my mom last night. I don't use a placard because I feel so judged. I don't appear handicapped and most days I move just fine. But at 42 I had two knee replacements and a hip replacement. This year I'll be getting both knees revised and my other hip replaced. Some days are painful. I also should use the handicapped bathroom stall for the taller toilet due to the hip replacement, but I feel judged there too. People have handicaps that you don't see, but we live in a judgy judge world. Don't you dare feel guilty. I resisted getting my placard for years for the same reason. I finally had to swallow my pride, and refuse to feel guilty for using an accommodation I need. Someone else's choice not to obtain and use a parking permit has noting to do with me. |
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Post by 950nancy on Jul 3, 2016 23:04:41 GMT
Years ago a lady had parked in a handicapped spot and the car on her left parked way too close (and over the line by a few feet). She was using a walker and could not get into her car. She was just standing in the parking lot frustrated. She asked me to crawl through the passenger side and start her car and back it out for her. I really hadn't ever thought of how much people need all of that space around their vehicles. I should have called the cops on the other car.
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pridemom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,843
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Post by pridemom on Jul 3, 2016 23:09:28 GMT
I understand this, I do. But last week I was at Panera getting lunch for my crew and a jerkoff in an expensive BMW got mad that someone beat him to a good parking spot so he backed his expensive BMW into the only available handicap spot and wandered right into the wine bar for lunch. People like that guy ruined it for the lady you saw with the walker by parking in a spot he only needed because of his self-importance. Without jerks like him I would assume that a person parked in the handicap spot without a placard actually needed it but happened to not have their placard available. But because people are so damn rude, she really needed to display her placard. You don't even have to go to the DMV to get it - you can have them mail it to you. It's the law, and it also means no one has a legit reason to misunderstand why you are parked there. You could call the police non-emergency line and report him. I have also seen shaming on social media.  |
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Post by LiLi on Jul 3, 2016 23:16:29 GMT
I'm glad you did. I feel they deserve the ticket. Hopefully, they will have learned their lesson. Guess even *good* people can be rude and thoughtless. HaHa, that's funny.  |
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Post by refugeepea on Jul 3, 2016 23:36:10 GMT
Don't you dare feel guilty. I resisted getting my placard for years for the same reason. I finally had to swallow my pride, and refuse to feel guilty for using an accommodation I need. Someone else's choice not to obtain and use a parking permit has noting to do with me.  I resisted as well because my son's disability is not physical, it's cognitive. It is not easy handling a big 7 year old in public when he's at a 2 year old level and does not understand danger. |
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Post by mikklynn on Jul 4, 2016 0:14:08 GMT
If you have a need, please don't resist. Get the placard.
OP - good for you! DH needs those spots!
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jul 4, 2016 0:25:20 GMT
I was just talking about this with my mom last night. I don't use a placard because I feel so judged. I don't appear handicapped and most days I move just fine. But at 42 I had two knee replacements and a hip replacement. This year I'll be getting both knees revised and my other hip replaced. Some days are painful. I also should use the handicapped bathroom stall for the taller toilet due to the hip replacement, but I feel judged there too. People have handicaps that you don't see, but we live in a judgy judge world. . Go ahead and use the handicapped bathroom stall. There arent any legal requirements to use it. I do, I find the higher toilet easier to use. It's not like I camp out in there. Those stalls aren't reserved for handicapped people, they are available for those who are handicapped. We were at a theater production one evening and you know how short the intermissions are sometimes and the ladies bathrooms are always crowded. No one was going into the handicapped stall so I told the people in front of me in line to use it and they said no they weren't allowed. I tried to explain that they ARE allowed but they wouldn't budge. So I did. Hope there were no Peas in line judging me.  As I was washing my hands I noticed other people finally using it. |
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Post by secondlife on Jul 4, 2016 0:42:58 GMT
Thank you Monklady. Here is a situation I run into fairly frequently. All the spots are taken. Not all have tags or plates. Now I could I suppose, drop my 9 yr old dgd off with her wheelchair or crutches, in front of wherever we are trying to go, and then drive around until I find somewhere else to park. But leaving her standing on a sidewalk alone doesn't really sound like a great idea, does it? In fact, plenty of people would be willing to call cps or 911 on a move like that. Regarding seeing someone who appears able bodied pull up, park in a designated spot and run into a building. Umm, could be me at times. What you wouldn't know is that I will sometimes leave and run errands while dgd (the one the tag is for) is in a classroom setting. Then I will return before it is time for the class to let out. When I return, I park where she will be able to load back in the van. But if you have the tag and are transporting her, you are entitled to park there. The guy I saw park in the handicap spot and run in the building had no tag. I fully understand the concept of invisible disability and I suppose I can't guarantee he didn't have an invisible disability. What he also did not have was a handicap tag and therefore he also did not have the right to the spot he took up. |
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As I was washing my hands I noticed other people finally using it.