Parking bay farce

EIGHT years ago, I was allocated a disabled parking bay outside my home. To qualify I had to be examined by social services, get a letter from my Gp and pay a fee.

This bay was a great help to me, and there were few problems until the paint markings started to fade and inconsiderate people started to use it. One person left his car in the space while he went on holiday for a week. This caused me great inconvenience and pain, as I suffer from a serious spine disease.

I wrote to the Chief Constable, who told me to call the police every time this happened. This I have done.

Some weeks ago, I applied to the Isle of Wight council to have my parking bay repainted. I was informed by the council I would have to wait six

months or pay £75 and the work would be carried out within six weeks. I decided to pay the £75 because I just want to make my life easier.

I sent my cheque off, but six weeks passed and no painting was done. I cancelled my request and my cheque was returned — I am now on the six-month waiting list.

I wrote to my Mp, Andrew Turner, several times, and he took up the issue with the Department of Transport, which suggested I contact my local council’s chief executive.

I wrote to the Isle of Wight council leader, who passed on the issue to the Head of Isle of Wight Highways. All those I have written to are sympathetic but none has any power or will to change things.

To cap it all, I am informed by the police that anyone can park in this bay, whether they have a blue badge or not. The police can request the inconsiderate drivers to vacate the marked disabled bay but can do nothing else. They cannot even issue a parking ticket, and the car could remain in the disabled bay indefinitely.

This is very unfair and should be rectified as soon as possible. The Government should give councils the authority to stop this discrimination against the disabled.

A parking ticket should be issued or at least a caution. What is the point of having a disabled bay re-painted at a cost of £75 when anyone can park in it? DON SMITH, Newport, IoW.