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£60 parking bay fine Asda be for charity

Sue Carr
16/ 1/2008

SHOPPERS in Tameside have backed a decision by Asda to fine people who dishonestly park in disabled and parent and child spaces.

From 25 February, customers using the bays but not eligible to do so, could land themselves with a £60 fine.

All profits will be split between Motability – a national disability charity – and baby charity Tommy’s.

The scheme, which is already in force in London, is being rolled out at branches across Greater Manchester, including Ashton and Hyde, and has been welcomed by local shoppers.

Disabled badge holder Eira Brocklehurst said: "I’m a member of the charity Motability and they have been campaigning for this for a long time, I’m thrilled to bits.

"I have a back problem and I can’t walk very far and the spaces are there for a reason, something these people won’t realise until they’re in my position. People park there out of laziness, because the weather’s bad or to use the hole in the wall, but it is an abuse."

The scheme was given a trial run in Liverpool last year and free spaces for disabled drivers and parents with young children shot up by more than 60 per cent.

Gina Underwood, who shops at the Hyde store with her mum each week, said: "We are both disabled, but there are hardly ever free spaces. It’s ignorance, I think all the supermarkets should do this."

Parents have also praised the supermarket giants and said it was already making a difference.

Louise Flanagan, who uses the store with her three-year-old daughter, said: "You get boy racers using them, single people, it happens all the time. They are just ignorant and bone idle.

"Usually I have to park in a normal space, although since fines have beenrumoured it’s been a lot easier."

Asda spokesman Paul Hedley said most customers who used the bays without good reason did not realise the problems they were causing.

"People rely on them to do their weekly shop," he said.

"We would encourage anyone that manages a car park to take our lead."