Parking in mother-child spaces ignited a tinder box amongst ye on the show today.
We got an All The Rage text in on Thursday from a listener who was peeved about people with no kids with them, parking in the mother-child parking to get closer to the shops or so their big car has the space to park.
As soon as Muireann mentioned it, frustrated messages filled our inbox!
"My husband got given out by a lady for parking in a mammy and baby spot cause he was a man. He had our 6 month old with him. He got there before the lady. She had a 7/8 year old with her""On occasion I've been tempted to stick a dirty nappy under the wipers of non-parent parked in a parent spot...see how they like a tantrum in a car park."Grainne said: "Don’t get me started on “parent and child parking! You need to be double jointed to try and strap a toddler into a car seat when parked in a “normal” parking spot! I jump for joy when I get a parent and child parking spot as there never seems to be enough!"
Maggie took it into her own hands: "I once reported a guy to customer service for parking in the pregnancy spot. I was a very grumpy pregnant person and waited until security made him move."
Ciarán in Meath is getting involved "I’ve approached many people and challenged them on this. It makes no sense for kids to be walking around car parks and the reason for the parking spots is to keep children from having to walk around the car park. Lazy and ignorant is what those people are."
Mary said: "Makes me so mad when people use these spaces with no kids on board... Shops should have parking attendants - bet that would move them."
Dawn in Roscrea has the answer: "Like with the child spots, it's about having a small bit of cop on and compassion, a want to maybe make another persons day a little easier!! One small thing can mean something big. Be kind to each other."
But defensive texts flew in too:
Laura in Cork said: "Muireann, people complaining about parent parking need to get a grip - I'll happily loan out my toddler to anyone who wants to take a trip ANYWHERE in a car and see how it goes - trying to get the car door open wide enough to attempt to strap in the equivalent of an angry octopus into a small seat, ya it’s great fun. Bet they will eat their words! 😂😂 it’s not actually how close to the door the spots are it’s the extra space around the car is what’s useful. Get over yourselves!!!! PS I love my toddler but Jesus getting her and out of a car is like a military boot camp exercise!"
"If someone parks stupidly. You park beside them so bloody close on the drivers side so the gobshite has to climb over in from their passenger side or wait for you. Simple."
Jim said: "I've never parked in a parent and child space and never will but if people wanna park in one of them then fine, people CHOOSE to have children, I would much rather see spaces for the elderly and injured (eg. Passengers on crutches ect.)"
"I park in child parent space when in my van as its too big for normal spaces and don't wanna damage other cars or van,or block their doors but when i’m in my car i don't park in them."
"Muireann, I should have emailed the other day because I have a rant to get off my chest... I don't have kids, yet, but I have a crap back and hip, I struggle to get out of the car on a good day. Would the yummy mummies deny me that extra few inches to get out without creeling myself?"
Listen back to the full conversation by pressing the play button at the top of the article
