RESIDENTS with disabilities have hit out at drivers who take up designated parking bays on Helensburgh town centre streets and car parks.

Drivers said there were problems in Princes Street in particular but also in supermarket car parks.

A Helensburgh councillor has urged other drivers to be more considerate and said the council will be repainting disabled bay markings.

A resident who lives with MS but asked not to be named told the Advertiser: “I hold a disability badge. My mobility is varied but I can’t walk any long distance.

“Princes Street is the worst. Opposite the dentist's clinic there are often work vans in the disabled bay for long periods.

“A few weeks ago I parked in the bay, waiting for my appointment. As the car behind me went I moved back to allow another disabled person to use the space, only for a woman to park there, jumping out and ignoring me when I held up my badge.

“I came out of the hairdressers and she was still there.

“As the council or someone is digging up the front car park, we have lost several disabled parking bays, making it very hard to shop on Clyde Street.

“Last night I was out on Princes Street and there was a taxi parked in the disabled space. I did ask him if he was aware of this, he moved.

“I drove down Princes Street just now and two cars with no badges were outside the Shelter charity shop and also outside the Salvation Army shop.

“Asda disabled parking is usually full, but not all cars have badges on display. Morrisons said they would be checking, but I don’t know if they do.

“People are so lazy. They can’t walk a few extra yards.

“Most don’t realise it’s so hard when you have feet that burn when you stand and legs that give up.”

Councillor Graham Hardie said the issue had not be reported to him, but added: “I would ask that able bodied motorists respect that disabled bays are for disabled drivers.

“Also I have asked the council to repaint all the disabled bays in Helensburgh and this will be happening shortly.”

Jackie Baillie, Helensburgh’s MSP, said: “Those who need to use disabled parking have mobility problems and the selfish actions of other drivers occupying these spaces might stop them from being able to access vital services.

“I hope that Argyll and Bute Council will ensure that action is taken to prevent illegal use of disabled parking bays for the benefit of the shoppers, visitors and traders in the town.

“I was pleased to bring forward the Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (Scotland) Act to Parliament which was enshrined into law in 2009 to ensure that all bays were enforceable.”

A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council, which has 44 on-street disabled bays in the town, said: “Disabled bays should be accessible for all Blue Badge holders and we ask motorists to be considerate when parking in the town centre.”