Disability Parking Permits

A lot of people seem passionate about disability parking places, so much so that they take it upon themselves to monitor people who park in those spots even when their disability parking placard is clearly displayed. I have one, and I can tell you that they are given to people for a reason. Here in South Australia your doctor needs to fill out a form for you, then you have to take it to be approved by Service SA, and pay the fee.

People who look fine and are able to walk on their own can be eligible for a disability parking permit. If they have already convinced their doctor and Service SA (or other governmentagency) that they meet the criteria, then it is no one else's business. Please never question anyone who is parking in a disability parking space when they have a permit displayed. You don't know their circumstances, and they don't owe you their medical history. Even if they don't have their permit displayed, they may have forgotten to put it up. It's easy to forget, especially here when you aren't supposed to leave it hanging on your rear view mirror while driving.

If you do question someone with a disability parking permit, you might regret it. I read about a woman who was being berated by a man for parking in a space marked for disabled people. Without a word, she removed her prosthetic leg and held it up for him to see.

If you see someone using a disability parking space as a loading zone, please do have a word with them. I've seen too many delivery drivers either park in disability spaces, or park in a place that blocks curb access. That can be inconvenient at best, dangerous at worst, and illegal.