‘Please be more considerate’: The photo that has Melbourne shoppers fuming

Finding a parking spot can be a challenge, especially in busy shopping centres, but some choices go beyond mere convenience and into outright disregard for others.

One Melbourne shopper recently exposed a parking incident that has ignited frustration online.

Many are now calling for stricter action against those who misuse accessible spaces.


Securing a parking spot at a shopping centre can be a test of patience, but some drivers take their search too far, disregarding rules meant to ensure accessibility for those who need it most.

A Melbourne shopper recently called out a motorist for their ‘inappropriate’ parking, sharing an image online to highlight the issue and spark a conversation about consideration in public spaces.

The photo showed a car parked in the middle of two designated accessible parking bays, blocking the space meant for safe entry and exit.


image1.png
Shopper slams driver for ‘inappropriate’ parking. Image source: Reddit


The post explained that these areas, officially known as Designated Accessible Parking Bays (DAPBs), are specifically designed to help people with disabilities access the community.

‘The DAPBs with two vehicle parking bays are separated by an area with painted hash lines on it and usually a large steel yellow pole to prevent vehicles entering. This is known as the shared area and no vehicles are to park there. This allows safe access to the vehicle and the community. The photo shows totally inappropriate parking,’ the user wrote.

They pointed out that while the vehicles in the DAPBs had the correct permits, the car in the shared area appeared to have been parked by someone who simply saw an open space and took it.

‘This prevented people who need more space to access their vehicles or the shops. Please be more considerate and think of others,’ they added.


The post resonated with many, with commenters expressing frustration over how common this issue had become.

‘Infuriating. My mum is in a wheelchair and having recently become her carer, I never realised how difficult it was to find accessible parking. There’s never enough spaces. And then there’s selfish twats like this to make it even harder for people,’ one person wrote.

Another shared a personal experience, admitting they once made a similar mistake but quickly changed their behaviour after learning why these spaces exist.

‘I’ve ridden motorbikes for a really long time and when I first started riding, I’d park wherever the hell I wanted to. When I parked in one of these striped sections once, someone came over to me and explained why they existed: to give the disabled space next to them room for wheelchairs and just to manage a big car often used for that. Totally changed my mindset and now I yell at other motorbikes and scooters (UberEats scooters are objectively the worst offenders) when they do it,’ they said.


Some were more direct about what they thought should happen to the driver.

‘I don’t vouch for towing a car, but this person deserves to get their car towed,’ one comment read.

‘Notify centre management and have them towed,’ another agreed.

Accessible parking bays are meant to provide ease of movement for those who require additional space, but when drivers ignore the rules, they make an already limited resource even scarcer.


In a previous story, another parking dispute made headlines when a driver didn’t take too kindly to a fine left on their vehicle.

Their reaction sparked debate over whether the penalty was justified or an overreach.

Read more about the heated exchange that had everyone talking.

Key Takeaways
  • A Melbourne shopper exposed a driver for parking in a shared area between two accessible bays, blocking essential space for people with disabilities.
  • The post explained the purpose of Designated Accessible Parking Bays (DAPBs) and how the shared area allows safe access, urging people to be more considerate.
  • Commenters expressed frustration, with some sharing personal experiences about the challenges of finding accessible parking and learning the importance of these spaces.
  • Many called for action against the driver, with some suggesting towing as a consequence for those who misuse accessible parking areas.

Parking etiquette can make a big difference, especially for those who rely on accessible spaces.

Have you ever encountered a situation like this at your local shopping centre?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
I don’t know if you’re joking or not but I admit, at 71, to sometimes parking in parents with prams designated parking areas. My excuse - revenge! They’ve got a bloody pram to lean on while walking the short (because spots are always nearest distance to shops) trip to shops and I’ve only got my own 2 legs!! God only knows how I managed to raise my 2 children to adulthood without all these perks and parks mothers of today have. I would have loved them but would never have thought of them as my due. Figure that if anyone wants to argue about my parking there I’ll just claim I’m picking up my grandchildren.
Ah! The little pleasures we have to find in our sometimes boring and mundane old age.
Seniors are actually allowed to park in designated parents with prams spots. At least here in WA. We were told and they actually should make the appropriate changes to signs to save aggravation.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kevin. A.
Seniors are actually allowed to park in designated parents with prams spots. At least here in WA. We were told and they actually should make the appropriate changes to signs to save aggravation.
My wife has a disabled parking permit because my wife has difficulty walking. We have a walker and a scooter which we carry in the car, and if there are no disabled parking spots then we take whatever is closest to the shop entrance. So many times, we see cars parked with no disability permit taking up disability parking spot. We have seen some ignorant individuals parking over the lines in disabled parking spots. Some people just do not consider those less fortunate than themselves.
 
Do you really need to use such a filthy word? l'm disgusted that SDC even prints words like that.
Are you actually serious? Twat is not a filthy word. I've seen much worse on here but I don't see you getting on your high horse and taking offence. Or are you just choosy about what and/or who to be offended by? To quote Ricky Gervais (again) Just because you're offended doesn't mean it's wrong.
 
Are you actually serious? Twat is not a filthy word. I've seen much worse on here but I don't see you getting on your high horse and taking offence. Or are you just choosy about what and/or who to be offended by? To quote Ricky Gervais (again) Just because you're offended doesn't mean it's wrong.

Are you actually serious? Twat is not a filthy word. I've seen much worse on here but I don't see you getting on your high horse and taking offence. Or are you just choosy about what and/or who to be offended by? To quote Ricky Gervais (again) Just because you're offended doesn't mean it's wrong.
lt is a derogatory epithet and regarded as a gutter word and no-one with any self respect would use it. l am quite comfortable on my high horse thankyou just a pity there is not enough room for you
 
It appears that disabled car park areas are fair game for anyone to park in them. On one occasion I called the authorities to come a book a person in a disabled spot I was told to take a photo and then go online upload the photo and fill out the form to report the infringement. I did not it wasn’t wort the hassle. I am disabled myself and I don’t drive anymore. Either my wife or my daughter take me to my appointments and it’s hard when we can’t find a disabled spot
I now the law re the disability but I thought mums with strollers and seniors were enforced by law as well.Thanks and good to know
 
lt is a derogatory epithet and regarded as a gutter word and no-one with any self respect would use it. l am quite comfortable on my high horse thankyou just a pity there is not enough room for you
I'm happy with my feet firmly on the ground with the other adults honey
 
lt is a derogatory epithet and regarded as a gutter word and no-one with any self respect would use it. l am quite comfortable on my high horse thankyou just a pity there is not enough room for you
Now Now let's not start another rascist argument!!!!!I think most of us here think we gave earned the right to say our piece,be heard and if we are out of sorts for a million different reasons(bank customer service,power company mistake,new iron doesn't work,someone at the supermarket really pi..ed us off,the kids only call when they need something,our beloved dog is sick a d vet is ripping us off,there were NO EGGS AGAIN AT THE SUPERMARKET,the corner store wants to charge you three dollars for a brown onion)you get the picture,we all get very heated very quickly,I included,and someone says a word that offends someone else,but is no biggy to the rest of us,etc,so let's take it easy,take a deep breath before putting finger to screen and ask ourselves "aIs this worth getting enraged about,my blood pressure is going to go through the roof a d there will be abusive emails back and fourth for at least 5-6 days...........let's just ignore that piece of information that I am sure the editors of the SDC site put on there just to get us all going,and move down to the trivia or grandadjoke of the day PLUS have a cuppa in the process.Seriously we would all be better off.I KNOW I WILL IF I EVER FOLLOW MY OWN ADVISE WHICH IS UNLIKELY 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
HAVE A GOOD ARBO SDC MDMBERS
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×