I read the letter from R Peel of St Paul's Cray with interest. As a disabled person myself, the double standards really annoy me.

This week I had occasion to spend an evening out in Orpington with my friend from Dorset, who is currently suffering with vertigo, and her brother who has custody of her car. Believing all car parking to be free after 7pm, we parked in the nearest car park to the high street, which is for disabled and motorcycle users during the day, unfortunately, it was too dark to see the small notice that said that restrictions apply 24 hours a day, this is surely unnecessary as only one other vehicle was parked there. We received a ticket timed at 7.30 which has cost us £20.

I have written to the parking shop, enclosing payment, but pointing out to them that had I been in a wheelchair and suffered the fall that I had down a pothole, I could probably have sued for damages, and it was fortunate that my friend did not fall.

I also pointed out that the council is continually granting restaurant and pub licences in Orpington, and people are going to want to travel to them, a 24 hour disabled parking site seems totally necessary when the other car parks are free.

Mrs S Tuckey

Zalesh Road

Orpington

December 5, 2001 13:05