Ennis woman gets 6 month driving ban for parking in disabled spot

AugustusMinimus

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/judge-gets-tough-on-illegal-parking-231321.html

OK. She got the ban subsequently for not paying the original €80 fine, but I see this as a significant victory for those of us who actually respect disable parking spots.

A 6 month ban and a cheque to be written for €850 to boot. This woman will never do it again.

Vojera

While I absolutely do not agree with parking in disabled spaces without a permit, a six month ban is a bit much, especially considering all the other things bad drivers do without a ban.

Anan1

I also think parking in a disabled spot is despicable behaviour, but IMO a 6 month ban is way over the top.

Kenny Logins

6 months for not paying the fine..

colm_mcm

An article wouldn't be an article without Conor Faughnan sticking his oar on...

AugustusMinimus

Anan1 wrote: »

I also think parking in a disabled spot is despicable behaviour, but IMO a 6 month ban is way over the top.

The 6 month ban came after the woman refused to pay the original €80 fine.

She didn't even show up in court or even have a solicitor there to represent her.

AugustusMinimus

colm_mcm wrote: »

An article wouldn't be an article without Conor Faughnan sticking his oar on...

The man comes across as utterly clueless every time I hear him on the radio.

Anan1

AugustusMinimus wrote: »

The 6 month ban came after the woman refused to pay the original €80 fine.

She didn't even show up in court or even have a solicitor there to represent her.

And the punishment for that should of course be greater than the original fine. If she'd got, say, a €500 fine then I'd call that fair. Of course if she didn't pay that fine then things would have to escalate further, perhaps ultimately to the ban. But straight from an unpaid ticket to a driving ban is way out of proportion, IMO at least.

Naraka

AugustusMinimus wrote: »

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/judge-gets-tough-on-illegal-parking-231321.html

OK. She got the ban subsequently for not paying the original €80 fine, but I see this as a significant victory for those of us who actually respect disable parking spots.

A 6 month ban and a cheque to be written for €850 to boot. This woman will never do it again.

Rightly so. Firstly, she had the nerve to park in a disabled parking space. Secondly, she completely undermined the whole situation by not paying the fine or turning up in court.

vandriver

If only the same rules applied to shopping centres where most of the ignorant and selfish parking in disabled spots is done.

Minister

Vojera wrote: »

While I absolutely do not agree with parking in disabled spaces without a permit, a six month ban is a bit much, especially considering all the other things bad drivers do without a ban.

I disagree with you as I remember when my late mam was ill selfish people blocked the disabled bays which made life even more difficult. The 'just a sec' excuse does not wash. It is people being selfish and if more penalties such as this were applied then the spaces would be there for those who really need them.

On a side issue, has anyone ever noticed the amount of able bodied - though usually youngish and fat - people that block disabled spots at supermarkets etc. I have, on occasion, notified management who have requested the offender to move. Fair play for once Tesco1

Kenny Logins

Minister wrote: »

On a side issue, has anyone ever noticed the amount of able bodied - though usually youngish and fat - people that block disabled spots at supermarkets etc. I have, on occasion, notified management who have requested the offender to move. Fair play for once Tesco1

Yeah, some of them are on here.

Kenny Logins

Oops forgot this - :pac:

Vojera

Minister wrote: »

I disagree with you as I remember when my late mam was ill selfish people blocked the disabled bays which made life even more difficult. The 'just a sec' excuse does not wash. It is people being selfish and if more penalties such as this were applied then the spaces would be there for those who really need them.

I agree that there is no excuse for parking in a disabled spot and I understand how important it is to have those spaces, both because they're wider to allow easier access and because they're closer. But it just seems to me that when some judges have trouble giving out bans for drink driving that this is a bit ott. There doesn't seem to be any consistency at all.

AugustusMinimus

Never knew we had people on here defending illegally parking in shopping centre disable spots.

I seem to remember a thread where people said they'd happily park in the parent and child ones without having a child with them.

Yakuza

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Oops forgot this - :pac:

You can edit your posts

colm_mcm

Parent/child spaces and disabled spaces completely different things to be fair.

AugustusMinimus

colm_mcm wrote: »

Parent/child spaces and disabled spaces completely different things to be fair.

Not too sure if they are in shopping centres as there's no law governing their usage in private car parks.

Both spaces are not intended for use by single able bodied people. Its people's morals which make them different in this situation.

Anan1

Minister wrote: »

I disagree with you as I remember when my late mam was ill selfish people blocked the disabled bays which made life even more difficult. The 'just a sec' excuse does not wash. It is people being selfish and if more penalties such as this were applied then the spaces would be there for those who really need them.

I don't think we need more draconian penalties, just better enforcement of the existing ones. People don't park in disabled bays because they feel that they can afford the €80 ticket, they do it because they think that they won't get caught. And they're usually right.

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

Minister

Fred Swanson wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

You are probably correct - which is a sad reflection on this country's moral/judicial consciousness.

pinkstars

She should not have done this, there is no way no matter what I would park in a disabled spot.

The ban is far too severe though....

Vojera

AugustusMinimus wrote: »

Never knew we had people on here defending illegally parking in shopping centre disable spots.

Ah now, that's a bit hyperbolic. No one said that. Just that the punishment seems way out of proportion to the crime.

Anan1

Minister wrote: »

You are probably correct - which is a sad reflection on this country's moral/judicial conscious.

Draconian penalties are a knee-jerk reaction. They serve to make you feel better, rather than addressing the problem.

nosedive

'Parent/child spaces and disabled spaces completely different things to be fair.'

I don't agree - whuile priority should be given to disbled spaces and parent and child spaces may be seen as a courtesy it still enrages me when i pull into a car park and all parent and child spaces are occupied by people travelling alone. it's the sheer ignorance and me fein attitude of it that gets me. It's not the proximity to the door that really matters - think about it - what's the thing the sets disabled and parent and child spaces apart from a standard space???

When you figure it out my response will be - yes, it is NEEDED otherwise need to take up 2 spaces elsewhere.

Please just be a little more considerate people - we're all here for the same reason.

Drexel

nosedive wrote: »

'Parent/child spaces and disabled spaces completely different things to be fair.'

I don't agree - whuile priority should be given to disbled spaces and parent and child spaces may be seen as a courtesy it still enrages me when i pull into a car park and all parent and child spaces are occupied by people travelling alone. it's the sheer ignorance and me fein attitude of it that gets me. It's not the proximity to the door that really matters - think about it - what's the thing the sets disabled and parent and child spaces apart from a standard space???

When you figure it out my response will be - yes, it is NEEDED otherwise need to take up 2 spaces elsewhere.

Please just be a little more considerate people - we're all here for the same reason.

I'd never park in a disabled spot but parent and child spots are far game I think. Why would you need two spots if you have kids?? Everyone managed just fine before parent and child spots came along

jimgoose

She should have taken her original beating and handed over the €80. There is such a thing as asking for it, and she obviously angered the judge with what he no doubt saw as a completely cavalier attitude to the whole thing.

mathepac

colm_mcm wrote: »

An article wouldn't be an article without Conor Faughnan sticking his oar on...

With Conor commenting she must have been driving a Zodiac. :rolleyes:

justsomebloke

Are family spaces not provided by companies in their private car parks. Surely they can put some spaces aside for a certain demographic if they want given it's their land. If people don't like that fact they provide familiy spaces would it not be better to vote with their 'feet' and drive to a different establishment

mathepac

Naraka wrote: »

... Secondly, she completely undermined the whole situation by not paying the fine or turning up in court.

I agree. Judges take a dim view of of people who ignore court orders and fail to responds to a summons, hence the ban and hefty fine.

nosedive

Parent and child spots are needed to get kids (especially younger ones in a carry cot) in and out of the car - parents need the extra width to open doors fully in order to strap kids in. There's no mystery to it.

Yes, people got along fine before these spaces came along but they're an improvement on things gone by - you seem happy to use them as yet another excuse for antagonising your fellow man - but I'm sure you don't see it that way - thanks for your consideration though

Victor Meldrew

jimgoose wrote: »

She should have taken her original beating and handed over the €80. There is such a thing as asking for it, and she obviously angered the judge with what he no doubt saw as a completely cavalier attitude to the whole thing.

Ms O’Connor, of Drumown, Ballynacally, Co Clare, was not in court for yesterday’s hearing and she was not legally represented.

Does she even know she has been convicted? Seriously?

In any case, this will be appealed to a lesser sentence, and she cvan drive whilst on appeal.

So, in essence, this is just making the whole thing a huge hassle for the woman.

Drexel

nosedive wrote: »

Parent and child spots are needed to get kids (especially younger ones in a carry cot) in and out of the car - parents need the extra width to open doors fully in order to strap kids in. There's no mystery to it.

Yes, people got along fine before these spaces came along but they're an improvement on things gone by - you seem happy to use them as yet another excuse for antagonising your fellow man - but I'm sure you don't see it that way - thanks for your consideration though

Antagonising my fellow man LOL!! It's only a parking space.

I can get kids in and out of my car no problem without needing two spots haha!! Most p & c spaces are the same size as regular spaces anyways. If people parked properly in spaces there would be no problem. But if there is no spaces il park in a parent and child.

discodavie

I had a badge for 6 months post a serious accident.

Remember going to my local tesco's and not being able to get into the spot by 2 able bodies jumping out of cars. Parked behind both of them and went in to do my shopping. Emerged 30 mins later to see them fuming in their cars.

Feck em.

This woman should have never parked there , should have paid the fine , and should never do it again.

mitosis

In fairness, had she paid her fine this wouldn't have happened. Had she shown up in Court, this wouldn't have happened. I wonder will she now be caught driving while disqualified and with a bench warrant for an unpaid fine.......

haminka

AugustusMinimus wrote: »

Never knew we had people on here defending illegally parking in shopping centre disable spots.

I seem to remember a thread where people said they'd happily park in the parent and child ones without having a child with them.

I always carry a child seat in my car but never park in the allocated spaces unless my daughter is in the car with me.
Fair play to the court, that woman deserved it for being totally disrespectful to the disabled and the court. She didn't pay the fine, she didn't appear in the court, she was punished, end of story. Sometimes I'm puzzled about the people killing each other in their attempts to park as closest to the shop as possible. Pity they don't do any drive-ins.

rox5

I think the 6 month ban is perfect. I think it is about time that we start hitting down hard on people who don't follow the rules, the law is getting too soft with a lot of things. Just a pity that there can't be some ban for those really bad drivers who I have seen speeding along the roads and never seem to be caught by anyone yet.

listermint

Anan1 wrote: »

Draconian penalties are a knee-jerk reaction. They serve to make you feel better, rather than addressing the problem.

So maybe if she was clamped in the spot. That would be a better remedy ?

BostonB

jonny666 wrote: »

Antagonising my fellow man LOL!! It's only a parking space. .....But if there is no spaces il park in a parent and child.

Its doesn't matter why they are there. The point is they are there to make life easier for parents and thus for kids. People can obviously ignore that and choose to be selfish about it.

BostonB

Anan1 wrote: »

Draconian penalties are a knee-jerk reaction. They serve to make you feel better, rather than addressing the problem.

I would assume they are intended to send a message.

corktina

yep, but the point I usually think of is do the P&C spots need to be right outside the door? If they put them down the way a bit, the selfish gits who park there when not entitled wouldn't abuse them. Granted disabled spots need to be near the door, but once junior is strapped in, he's on wheels and mobile...

mitosis

BostonB wrote: »

Its doesn't matter why they are there. The point is they are there to make life easier for parents and thus for kids. People can obviously ignore that and choose to be selfish about it.

And, importantly, they make it less likely a nearby car will get doored!

Anan1

listermint wrote: »

So maybe if she was clamped in the spot. That would be a better remedy ?

I'm sure you have a point, but i'm not seeing it?

BostonB wrote: »

I would assume they are intended to send a message.

Draconian penalties do make good headlines, and they give the masses that warm fuzzy feeling that 'something is being done.' Back in the real world, however, it's the level of enforcement that really matters.

munchkin_utd

corktina wrote: »

yep, but the point I usually think of is do the P&C spots need to be right outside the door? If they put them down the way a bit, the selfish gits who park there when not entitled wouldn't abuse them. Granted disabled spots need to be near the door, but once junior is strapped in, he's on wheels and mobile...

Their location near the door is unnecessary and only asking for inconsiderate folk to take them.
Better put them a wee bit away so the temptation isnt there.
So long as they have the extra space needed to take out an infant seat comfortably on either side then their location is secondary.

Disabled spots though must be as near as possible to the door and anyone who parks there (and has no regard for the irish courts and legal system subsequently) deserves everything that comes their way.

CarrickMcJoe

Minister wrote: »

I disagree with you as I remember when my late mam was ill selfish people blocked the disabled bays which made life even more difficult. The 'just a sec' excuse does not wash. It is people being selfish and if more penalties such as this were applied then the spaces would be there for those who really need them.

On a side issue, has anyone ever noticed the amount of able bodied - though usually youngish and fat - people that block disabled spots at supermarkets etc. I have, on occasion, notified management who have requested the offender to move. Fair play for once Tesco1

And there was me thinking all the disabled people rush to Dunnes when its raining.:D
6 month ban a bit stiff as her insurance will probably skyrocket too, but maybe she shouldn't stick the two fingers at the fine and court as well.

haminka

jonny666 wrote: »

I'd never park in a disabled spot but parent and child spots are far game I think. Why would you need two spots if you have kids?? Everyone managed just fine before parent and child spots came along

Well, everyone managed just fine before supermarkets and cars came along. And before we tamed horses to draw the carts and carriages. And actually, life was much easier when we were still hopping around in the trees.
For myself, I very much appreciate the bigger spaces these spots provide. I don't need to worry that my child will bang the door into someone's elses car when she's getting out and I don't need to figure out the ways of putting her into the child seat while at the same time trying to keep the door as little open as possible while strapping her.

wandatowell

Anybody else who doesnt have kids park in the family spots in shopping car parks?

BostonB

Anan1 wrote: »

I'm sure you have a point, but i'm not seeing it?Draconian penalties do make good headlines, and they give the masses that warm fuzzy feeling that 'something is being done.' Back in the real world, however, it's the level of enforcement that really matters.

So your saying, seeing someone else get punished doesn't haven't effect.

I find that hard to believe.

Drexel

Should there be special parking spaces for fat people too who need a bit a extra room to get in and out!!

Not my problem if ye can't get kids out in a normal space. Most of the p & c spots I've seen are normal size anyways

It's all about how close to the entrance they are

BostonB

munchkin_utd wrote: »

Their location near the door is unnecessary and only asking for inconsiderate folk to take them.
Better put them a wee bit away so the temptation isnt there.
So long as they have the extra space needed to take out an infant seat comfortably on either side then their location is secondary....

The point of Child and Parent Friendly spots isn't only to do with the width of the parking bay. Its also so kids aren't dragged through a busy car park. Kids being around cars, and especially cars parking is a bad idea.

Anan1

BostonB wrote: »

So your saying, seeing someone else get punished doesn't haven't effect.

I find that hard to believe.

* sighs * Where did I say that?