HSE Doctor parking in Disabled Person Space - okay?

daymobrew

On Sunday morning I saw a HSE Doctor vehicle park in a Disabled Persons Space in my local supermarket. The driver went into the shop. He didn't bring a bag. The emergency lights weren't on on the car when he arrived. There wasn't a "Doctor on Call" sign in the dashboard.
Upon his arrival, all 4 spaces were now in used.

Are doctors allowed to park in these spaces?

colm_mcm

not unless they're disabled

Robxxx7

no they shouldn't ..should abide the rules of the road like the rest of us ...

daymobrew

I'll get onto the HSE to ask them.

colm_mcm

Surely the time to find this out, and to actually do something about it was at the supermarket?

Tipsy Mac

On private property a disabled space has no legal baring whatsoever.

cadaliac

There is usually too many disabled spaces in newer buildings, and rarely used.
If it was the last disabled spot, he shouldn't have used it - just like you and I.

Eoin

Tipsy Mac wrote: »

On private property a disabled space has no legal baring whatsoever.

From citizens information:

Commercial premises like supermarkets and shopping centres have no legal obligation to provide disabled parking facilities for their customers. Building regulations have specific requirements about the indoor facilities for people with disabilities and the approach to a building (e.g., a ramp to allow wheelchair access) but the external environment of a building (e.g., parking facilities) is not covered by any legislation
.....
Private car park operators are responsible for policing the use of designated disabled parking bays in their own car parks and cars parked illegally in these bays may be clamped. Fees for release will vary depending on the operator. Gardai and traffic wardens will not issue tickets for cars illegally parked in disabled parking spaces in a private car park.

So while they're not obliged to provide them, the wording would indicate that if they do, and someone parks in them when they shouldn't; it is illegal.

Theta

eoin wrote: »

From citizens information:



So while they're not obliged to provide them, the wording would indicate that if they do, and someone parks in them when they shouldn't; it is illegal.

I dont know its very vague it most likely means that the private operator can clamp the car if they wish but sure that means nothing either on private ground.

colm_mcm

eoin wrote: »

So while they're not obliged to provide them, the wording would indicate that if they do, and someone parks in them when they shouldn't; it is illegal.

Is parking in a private pay&display carpark without a ticket illegal?

Victor_M

irlmarc wrote: »

I dont know its very vague it most likely means that the private operator can clamp the car if they wish but sure that means nothing either on private ground.

Could you elaborate a bit on that comment? I trying to determine the legality of clamping on private property, particularly housing estates & apartment complexes Thanks.

daymobrew

colm_mcm wrote: »

Surely the time to find this out, and to actually do something about it was at the supermarket?

Any time I have confronted someone they have replied with threats and aggression. Even the shopping centre staff (as opposed to the supermarket staff) don't do anything :rolleyes:

Fighting Irish

Anyone can park in a handicap spot

Theta

Victor_M wrote: »

Could you elaborate a bit on that comment? I trying to determine the legality of clamping on private property, particularly housing estates & apartment complexes Thanks.

Well I can only go on what I have read around and its a bit of a grey area from what it seems to me. No one seems to know if they can legally hold your vehicle or if you are commiting any actual crime by removing the clamp yourself without the company. The shades dont seem to want to be involved so it would seem its of no concern to them and the private clamping firms dont seem to be bothered that people are cutting clamps off.

But im no legal eagle.

-Chris-

Fighting Irish wrote: »

Anyone can park in a handicap spot

Anyone can physically park in the spot?
Anyone is allowed to park in the spot without consequence?
Anyone can park in the spot but shouldn't?
You think anyone can park in the spot but you have no supporting evidence?

Can you elaborate please?

Eoin

colm_mcm wrote: »

Is parking in a private pay&display carpark without a ticket illegal?

I haven't a clue. Are you drawing a comparison between being clamped or fined for being in a disabled spot and for not having a ticket? I was quoting the part specifically about using a disabled spot when you're not entitled to.

colm_mcm

I reckon if you're in a private carpark, parking in a disabled space without a permit and parking in a regular spot without a ticket are both scenarios, while not illegal in the accepted sense of the word will result in action from the owners/wardens

Eoin

Here's the part I quoted earlier:

Private car park operators are responsible for policing the use of designated disabled parking bays in their own car parks and cars parked illegally in these bays may be clamped. Fees for release will vary depending on the operator. Gardai and traffic wardens will not issue tickets for cars illegally parked in disabled parking spaces in a private car park.

Either it is illegal, or the wording on that site leaves a lot to be desired.

colm_mcm

you can make an illegal move in chess, it doesn't mean you're breaking an Irish law

Eoin

Maybe that's one for the legal forum then. Or the chess forum. If it's not against the law, then that site can't be trusted for much information.

JHMEG

colm_mcm wrote: »

Is parking in a private pay&display carpark without a ticket illegal?

No. And to the best of my knowledge they are interfering with private property if they clamp your car. Unlike in the UK, private parking isn't regulated here. Or so I was told (by a garda, but quite often they don't seem to know the law either).