I’m a disabled driver and park in the same place every day but was slapped with a fine thanks to ‘invisible’ bay
A DISABLED driver who parks in the same place everyday was slapped with a fine thanks to an "invisible bay."
Glasgow nurse Isobel McCrossan, 67, displayed her blue badge as per usual in Carlton Place when she parked up on January 4.
But when she returned to her car she was horrified to find a ticket had been placed on the windscreen.
Despite an appeal Glasgow City Council found that the hard working nurse was parked within the designated bay.
But Isobel said that the bay's lines had faded over time and were impossible to make out.
The blue badge scheme was launched in 1970 and around 2.4million disabled people in England have one.
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The badge allows them to park free of charge in pay and display bays.
Blue badge are eligible to park in bays but holders still must obey the rules of the road and not park illegally because, as the states, the badge is "not a licence to park anywhere".
Isobel told: "I parked up where I usually do.
"The lines are so bad on the bay that I couldn't see the front of it. I have a blue badge so I am entitled to park there.
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"The parking attendant decided to issue me with a ticket because I was over the front of the bay with my wheels.
Where can I park with a blue badge?
Parking spaces reserved for blue badge holders allow people with disabilities to park in places other people can't.
Having a blue badge parking permit doesn't let you park anywhere, however, and there are still some restrictions.
As long as there are no loading or unloading restrictions, blue badge holders can park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours.
They must display their badge with the parking clock set to the time they arrived.
If there is an on-street pay-and-display machine or parking meter, blue badge permit holders can park there for free with their badge visible.
Additionally, anywhere showing a sign that says blue badge parking is ok to use.
Some private car parks do still charge for disability parking so it is always best to double check.
Check the website or contact the council or owners of the car park if you are unsure if you can park somewhere,
Blue badge holders still must obey the rules of the road and not park illegally because, as the states, the badge is "not a licence to park anywhere".
Anyone with a disability that limits their ability to walk is eligible for a blue badge.
Those who are unable to walk, have difficulty walking, come to harm or cause harm while walking can use a blue badge.
Anyone who is registered blind or has a disability in their arms can also get a badge.
A blue badge can be used whenever a holder has to travel or park somewhere, either as a driver or passenger.
It cannot be used by other people doing something on a holder's behalf - unless they are going to be in the vehicle too.
If there is no space to park in a disabled bay or a shared-use bay is easier, blue badge holders can park in them too.
The same rules apply for a normal bay but remember to display your badge or you may be charged like everyone else.
Disabled parking bays are designed to help make parking and access easier so tend to be closer to entrances and bigger.
It is therefore usually better to park in a specified bay.
Blue Badge holders are not allowed to park in loading bays.
"I appealed because the line was impossible to see.
"I was told that they were standing by their decision. I then showed it to another parking attendant I know and they said they wouldn't issue a ticket."
The pensioner revealed how the fine impacted on her finances.
She added: "I was really annoyed when I saw the ticket. I looked at the lines of the bay and was in disbelief that anybody could be fined because of it.
"I'm retired from the NHS but I work at Glasgow Sheriff Court two hours a week in the cells - I park there a lot and never received a ticket.
"There are loads of cars parked slightly outside the bay.
"I don't even earn £90 in a week. This is going to cost me two weeks' wages.
"I've seen people parked on the double yellow lines and avoiding tickets. I can't understand why I've got one."
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A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “A ticket was issued against this driver’s vehicle as it was parked across two parking bays.
“An appeal was received and then declined as we are satisfied the parking bay markings were visible.”