Police car is pictured parked in a disability space
A GUERNSEY Police car has been photographed using a disabled space on the Bridge.
It is understood that the vehicle was not on an emergency call at the time of incident earlier this week.
Guernsey Police were approached to find out whether the matter would be looked into.
A force spokesman initially said: ‘If the person who took the photo wishes to make a complaint it will be looked into.’
The person who took the picture said they did not plan to complain as they did not believe any action would be taken.
Guernsey Police later issued a second statement: ‘We thank the Guernsey Press for bringing this to our attention, and would welcome the member of the public contacting us,’ the spokesman said. ‘The exact circumstances are being examined and will be dealt with in an appropriate way.’
The vehicle was spotted in the space at 1.13pm on Wednesday.
It is understood the officer was attending Tozer’s on shop business and was not responding to an emergency.
Another local shopkeeper, who asked not to be named, said the car was parked in the disabled bay for at least 20 minutes. ‘I saw him [the officer] walking up and down the Bridge,’ she said. ‘He was not running. There were lots of workmen down here and they were asking if the police were allowed to do that. There were lots of other free spaces around.’
Another shopkeeper also saw the officer walking around after parking in the space. ‘He did not seem to be doing anything.’
He said the disabled space was constantly abused: ‘There is a sign, but when you park, there’s nothing in your eyeline or painted on the road.’
Guernsey Disability Alliance vice chairman Rob Harnish said they could not comment on individual cases. ‘We are clear, however, that the use of a designated accessible parking place without a blue badge is illegal,’ he said.
‘There is a reason for that; people with disabilities have fewer choices than those without. Protected spaces allow people with disabilities to access life more equitably. There is an American slogan that sums things up nicely: If you want my space, take my disability.’
Driver & Vehicle Licensing operates the blue badge scheme for people who are severely mobility impaired, are registered blind or claim severe disability allowance.
