Disabled Parking

[Hotchilidog]

The number keeps increasing, which I guess is good, but still no-one has stated what the actual demand is. By now the demand must be pretty much known give or take one or two. Once the numbers are known, then surely pressure can be put to oust 1901 parkers (into the University car parks) and make more space available in Bennetts Field. Then there can be pressure put on to recind the £180 fees. Once we know what the number is, we can use the figures to point out to the club what skinflints they are being, and why it is essential that they make the appropriate number of spaces available.

I'm surprised no one has raised this before. Does anyone actually know how many people require ground adjacent parking. Obviously there are those who have posted on here but that is a mere handful of people compared to the number of spaces already available. Are we talking 100's or 10's or an even higher number?

This row is a real shame, and it seems to have arisen from abysmal communication rather than wilful neglect on part of the club. I hope that recently arranged meeting between MP and supporters can finally reach a solution.

 

[libra-gully]

I believe the additional 30 spaces that Mr Perry announced on Tuesday from out of the blue, are located in the grounds of Sussex University. A quick look around there today concerns me greatly, as these spaces are some way from the ground.

Logically, does it not make more sense to move some able bodied car space holders, whether they are staff, VIPs, 1901s or whoever, and let the bays near the ground be used by those of us who require them.

Surely our players are fit enough that they can walk from the car park? Do they really need to be within spitting distance of the ground?

It just seems that this scheme has been drawn up by a spotty student on day release!

 

[Alex Alex Dawson oo! oo!]

I believe the additional 30 spaces that Mr Perry announced on Tuesday from out of the blue, are located in the grounds of Sussex University. A quick look around there today concerns me greatly, as these spaces are some way from the ground.

Logically, does it not make more sense to move some able bodied car space holders, whether they are staff, VIPs, 1901s or whoever, and let the bays near the ground be used by those of us who require them.

Surely our players are fit enough that they can walk from the car park? Do they really need to be within spitting distance of the ground?

It just seems that this scheme has been drawn up by a spotty student on day release!

I was told by the club today that all the "disabled" spaces, including those at Sussex University, have been fully allocated and that they a massively oversubscribed. In summary, there's nothing they can/will do for me so I am faced with either buying a £360 parking space at the university or throwing my ST in the bin. As you've intimated, walking from the Univ car park might be a struggle; I guess it's less than 10mins for a "normal" fan but it took me about 25 mins when we tried it out at the WSU open evening. Btw, I've yet to have a reply from Sally Townsend, or anyone else at the club, to any formal communication.

 

[Triggaaar]

Logically, does it not make more sense to move some able bodied car space holders, whether they are staff, VIPs, 1901s or whoever, and let the bays near the ground be used by those of us who require them.

You would think so wouldn't you. Although I'm happy for the players to park closer to the ground, they deserve a little more luxury (than the 1901s etc).

 

[Jimbo.GRFC]

I've given up with this on ATC. Evasion, platitudes etc so I did exactly what Camillin eventually recommended and contacted the club direct (email). Auto response saying they'd reply within 5 working days and f*** all else since, after over two weeks.
My question was what facilities are available for those who are disabled but do not qualify for a Blue Badge (ie Cancer/MS/HIV patients, people with temporary mobility problems etc). Have now run this past MacMillan Cancer Support and the local CAB am now addressing this direct to Building Control at B&HC Council for details of the approved provisions and rationale.

Due to ill health (acute liver disease - awaiting transplant) I'm struggling to walk stairs. At the SSC Final when I tried to use the lift, steward took one look at me, ushered me to one side and said I couldn't use the lift as he thought there was nothing wrong with me. No Mr Steward from the outside I probably look fecking normal but if you had one ounce of brain, you'd understand my problems were within, something I tried to explain on several occasions and even showed my daily medication intake card that shows the medication I have to take 3 times a day. Couldn't be arsed to argue, but on looking back at him he had the smile of a Cheshire cat of job done. I'm sure I'll get through my issues which some on here are aware of, but for once, just this once I really appreciated (not understood - as I've not faced it day in-day out through my life) just how down putting these types of people can be towards people and their disabilities. The club really should take this issue more seriously........However to conclude this isn't a rant by the way, the club have helped me in other ways for Falmer for which I am so grateful, I just think think a little more training for these stewards is important

 

[Jimbo.GRFC]

You would think so wouldn't you. Although I'm happy for the players to park closer to the ground, they deserve a little more luxury (than the 1901s etc).

You wait and mark my words, there will be Bentleys, Aston Martins, Mercs and BMW's all with Blue Badges on. Seems all our local disabled people have a rich taste in cars

 

[Seagull on the wing]

Beats my motability car...Ford Fiesta......

 

[Tiger Barb]

Diasabled parking tickets arrived this morning .. anyone else get theirs?

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

As you've intimated, walking from the Univ car park might be a struggle; I guess it's less than 10mins for a "normal" fan but it took me about 25 mins when we tried it out at the WSU open evening.

Is it all on the flat? Could the club maybe invest in a couple of those buggies they use at Gatwick to transport less abled people to their departure gates? Just a thought.

 

[British Bulldog]

I was told by the club today that all the "disabled" spaces, including those at Sussex University, have been fully allocated and that they a massively oversubscribed. In summary, there's nothing they can/will do for me so I am faced with either buying a £360 parking space at the university or throwing my ST in the bin. As you've intimated, walking from the Univ car park might be a struggle; I guess it's less than 10mins for a "normal" fan but it took me about 25 mins when we tried it out at the WSU open evening. Btw, I've yet to have a reply from Sally Townsend, or anyone else at the club, to any formal communication.

I finaly got through to the club this morning to be told there's nowhere for me to park so I either get someone to drop me off or I use public transport, I'm seriously starting to think about asking for a refund on my season ticket.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

Despite this message (on Ask The Club), posted by Insider on Thursday ...

With regard to the meeting with BODs Martin Perry did offer to meet with them live on BBC Radio Sussex, but we are yet to hear from them. If they make contact with Martin he is happy to meet with them.

... a request WAS sent to Martin Perry for a meeting (and well before the ATC answer was given).

I just hope that something can be sorted out - especially for disabled fans who haven't been allocated a parking space.

 

[rool]

I know most other things complained about on here are just teething problems that will be sorted eventually, but, am I the only one to think that certain representatives of the club are acting a bit c**ntish on this particular issue?

 

[pork pie]

I know most other things complained about on here are just teething problems that will be sorted eventually, but, am I the only one to think that certain representatives of the club are acting a bit c**ntish on this particular issue?

Well, I certainly don't. There is limited parking at/near the ground. That parking has a high commercial value, and should be used to get the highest revenues possible. Able bodied people have not got perfect travel arrangements (if they want to go by car as many prefer), and need to make suitable arrangements to get to the ground - so what is special about disabled people. In my opinion, they should not be disadvantaged against able bodied people, but on the other hand, only the most severely disabled should get any preferential treatment.

There are far too many disabled parking stickers dished out these days - we should not allow the same thing to happen near the ground. Maybe the Club should request a full medical certificate of some kind to prioratise the limited parking resources?

 

[Lord Bracknell]

Well, I certainly don't. There is limited parking at/near the ground. That parking has a high commercial value, and should be used to get the highest revenues possible. Able bodied people have not got perfect travel arrangements (if they want to go by car as many prefer), and need to make suitable arrangements to get to the ground - so what is special about disabled people. In my opinion, they should not be disadvantaged against able bodied people, but on the other hand, only the most severely disabled should get any preferential treatment.

There are far too many disabled parking stickers dished out these days - we should not allow the same thing to happen near the ground. Maybe the Club should request a full medical certificate of some kind to prioratise the limited parking resources?

Maybe you should read the Disability Discrimination Act (now the Equality Act) and get an idea about what people with disabilities are entitled to.

And since when has disability been a medical condition?

The Club's stated position - that "positive discrimination against non-disabled fans" is somehow "illegal" - is quite plainly WRONG. The law requires disabled people to have equal access to goods and services and, where this cannot be provided (as in the case of the stadium), it requires "reasonable adjustments" to be made.

For the Club to persist in saying that a reasonable adjustment is the wrong thing to do is to put the Club in jeopardy of action being taken against them. A change of mind is ESSENTIAL.

 

[British Bulldog]

Well, I certainly don't. There is limited parking at/near the ground. That parking has a high commercial value, and should be used to get the highest revenues possible. Able bodied people have not got perfect travel arrangements (if they want to go by car as many prefer), and need to make suitable arrangements to get to the ground - so what is special about disabled people. In my opinion, they should not be disadvantaged against able bodied people, but on the other hand, only the most severely disabled should get any preferential treatment.

There are far too many disabled parking stickers dished out these days - we should not allow the same thing to happen near the ground. Maybe the Club should request a full medical certificate of some kind to prioratise the limited parking resources?

There's nothing special about being disabled quite the opposite in fact, Anyway you've got your views so i'm not going to bother getting into an argument with you about them.

 

[upthealbion1970]

Well, I certainly don't. There is limited parking at/near the ground. That parking has a high commercial value, and should be used to get the highest revenues possible. Able bodied people have not got perfect travel arrangements (if they want to go by car as many prefer), and need to make suitable arrangements to get to the ground - so what is special about disabled people. In my opinion, they should not be disadvantaged against able bodied people, but on the other hand, only the most severely disabled should get any preferential treatment.

There are far too many disabled parking stickers dished out these days - we should not allow the same thing to happen near the ground. Maybe the Club should request a full medical certificate of some kind to prioratise the limited parking resources?

Your view would change if you or a family member were disabled, and fwiw to get a "disabled parking sticker" you have to provide proof from doctors/specialists to qualify for one.

 

[pork pie]

Maybe you should read the Disability Discrimination Act (now the Equality Act) and get an idea about what people with disabilities are entitled to.

And since when has disability been a medical condition?

The Club's stated position - that "positive discrimination against non-disabled fans" is somehow "illegal" - is quite plainly WRONG. The law requires disabled people to have equal access to goods and services and, where this cannot be provided (as in the case of the stadium), it requires "reasonable adjustments" to be made.

For the Club to persist in saying that a reasonable adjustment is the wrong thing to do is to put the Club in jeopardy of action being taken against them. A change of mind is ESSENTIAL.

You really do have a problem with the Club since Tight was outed don't you? Why?

 

[Emily's Mum]

You really do have a problem with the Club since Tight was outed don't you? Why?

A lot of people have serious concerns with the club's ability to deal with something that they legally have to do. we campaigned for Falmer for All. That means including people with all manner of disabilities. Leaving the issue of how people with disabilities are going to get to our community stadium until the last minute, is sheer incompetence. Lord B suggested a way forward to the club in January. They have failed to acknowledge his efforts.

I can't be there today because my employers thought I was the right person to do a job 8000 miles away from home in an operational theatre, supporting our troops. They have made reasonable adjustments for me to get here & do my job in a way that leaves me as pain-free as possible. It's disgraceful that a football club doesn't think it is important to ensure the needs of diabled people are catered for, especially when the law demands that these needs are recognised and adjustments made. If you have nothing postitive to contribute, then please please get back in your box

 

[Jimbo.GRFC]

Your view would change if you or a family member were disabled, and fwiw to get a "disabled parking sticker" you have to provide proof from doctors/specialists to qualify for one.

Or as in a lot of cases as outlined in my previous post, if you have the money then just go buy a moody one from a bloke in the pub. Once they are parked up, can't the authorities then run a check on these cheats ?

 

[bobbycodpiece]

Cripples in the corner

I look forward to reading the report.
I love the club but the way they are treating people is beyond belief and totally unacceptable.
They had the perfect opportunity with the stadium to build in disable friendly areas and not just stick them in a corner. This isn't the dark ages anymore ffs.

I thought things had moved on from Ron Pavey's infamous "the players are bringing out Easter Eggs for the cripples in the corner" comment back at the Goldstone in the '80s.......but sadly no