Dear LPG. 

I suppose I need to count myself lucky and unlucky at the same time.  I have to reckon myself as very lucky because I am one of those who have a blue badge.  I know friends who cannot get one even though, in my humble estimation, many of them are equally as immobile as me.  But when I think about the illness that has put me in the situation where I would need one, I know that I would rather not have one and be in better health. 

It is so good to be able to get out again, and to get my friends to drive me around when they have a little time is really special.  They can get their cars a lot closer to the places that I actually want to get to because of the difficulty that even a few short steps present for me and I can ask anyone to use it as long as they are helping me to get out. 

I was recently taken out to the shops to get just one quick item.  The friend who drove me parked the car in a spot designated for Blue Badge holders and I set the dial on the badge before it was placed on the dashboard,  but we returned to find a parking fine.  I was a little upset but when I looked the badge had been placed on the dashboard face down so that the wrong information was visible to officials.  I forgot to explain to the driver and also to check the badge before we left the car.

It was then that I remembered the rules that surrounded tax disks back in the day and that are still very relevant for many drivers; those displaying parking stickers, although it is becoming more and more unnecessary to have those in the light of the online and telephone options for paying these days, and of course the blue badge holders.   The offence is about displaying the badge, having one is not enough.  So, I am hoping that LPG will leave a link to the wording of the rules at the bottom of my post, and I hope that any readers who hold a blue badge appreciates the reminder. 

LC, Catford

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