Few things anger Blenheim man Bill Earnshaw, but able-bodied people parking in disabled car parks without a permit is one of them.
Mr Earnshaw says he is frustrated at the number of people in Blenheim using disabled car parks for their convenience.
This usually happened at the Redwood SuperValue and New World, but also in other parts of town, he said.
"I have arthritis and use very heavy painkillers just so I can get around and I've had people swear at me for [telling them to move]," he said.
On a recent trip to the SuperValue supermarket, Mr Earnshaw said all three disabled spots had been taken, one by an able-bodied woman.
"I managed to talk to her, but she used the usual excuse – `but I was only there for a few minutes'," he said.
CCS Disability Action regional manager David Matthews said the problem occurred throughout the country.
"The people who misuse the [disabled parking spots] don't understand that it means a significant lost opportunity for a disabled person," he said.
Marlborough Roads manager Frank Porter said parking wardens could not issue tickets in New World and Redwood SuperValue car parks in Blenheim, as the land was privately owned.
The car park around Countdown in Blenheim, however, was council-owned. He did not think people could be ticketed legally in private car parks.
Redwood SuperValue owner Cecilia Norman said some people did occasionally misuse the parks, but the supermarket could not afford to have them patrolled regularly.
"When we see able-bodied people using the parking spots we ask them very politely to leave the space free for disabled drivers," she said.
"It's not morally right [to park there], but we can't stand outside all day and monitor it."
New World owner Mark Elkington said the problem came up from time to time.
"It's not really an issue for us. Most people recognise a disabled park, but there's always the odd one that does [park there]," he said.
He said if the parking spots had been taken illegally, drivers should tell a staff member.
The fine for parking illegally in disabled car parks was raised from $40 to $150 in 2008. During 2009, 92 infringement notices were issued for parking illegally in the carparks, totalling $13,800.
By SIMON WONG - The Marlborough Express
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