THE EDITOR, Sir: I WISH to share a constant problem faced by persons with disabilities (particularly those who are physically disabled).
Often when we go to stores/supermarkets, it is very difficult to park as able-bodied motorists deliberately ignore the reserved parking areas. One such place where this is blatantly abused is Price Smart.
We spoke with the management of the store and were advised that they are unable to cope with the indisciplined behaviour meted out to them by the able-bodied customers. One particular instance it was a rainy day and my girlfriend and I drove up, found only one space left and before we could get the use of the space, an able-bodied driver just cut in front of us and we had to walk in the pouring rain to get to the store. When we were finished we saw the driver of the car and asked him why he did this to us and his reply was it was raining.
We want to thank those business places and service clubs who ensure that their parking facilities are secured for the disabled, particularly the Rotary Club of Kingston, Super Plus, Sovereign Centre, the Pegasus Hotel, MegaMart and the Mayor of Kingston. It would be good though to have someone remove the barrier protecting the parking spaces when the disabled driver arrives.
We are appealing to motorists to respect these designated areas and help to make life a little easier for the disabled community.
I am. etc.,
SARAH NEWLAND-MARTIN (MRS.)
Kingston
