Show a Little Kindness
Mr Oscar Lee has proposed an interesting solution to the problem of insufficient parking space in Singapore. However, I fail to see the merit in the sharing of handicapped parking lots between handicapped and able-bodied drivers.
I can understand why these parking lots are so tempting to many drivers, even if there are other standard parking lots available. Handicapped parking lots are usually much more spacious and also located near the lift lobbies. But we must always keep in mind of the reasons behind their design. Wheelchair-bound drivers need the extra space to manoeuvre into and out of their cars; it’ll be impossible for them to do the same in a standard parking lot.
Mr Lee also suggested that if a handicapped driver comes along and require the use of an occupied handicapped parking lot, he can call the able-bodied driver to move his car away. And if the driver fails to comply within 10 minutes, his car will be wheel clamped. So instead of making able-bodied drivers — capable of walking the distance from a nearby car park — wait for an empty parking lot or park somewhere else, handicapped drivers are asked to wait for parking lots designated for them, occupied by inconsiderate able-bodied drivers.
A better solution is to make our public transport more wheelchair-friendly. Our less fortunate friends can then avoid the inconvenience of driving and save on the exorbitant costs of owning a car, while maintaining their independence and mobility in their everyday lives. With the number of handicapped drivers reduced after they switched to a wheelchair-friendly public transport system, handicapped parking lots can then be converted for the use of able-bodied drivers like Mr Lee.
We need not spend massive amount of public funds to make Singapore more wheelchair-friendly. For example, ramps need not be built at MRT stations, if kind members of the public were to help carry wheelchair-bound passengers up the stairs.
All we have to do is show a little kindness towards the less fortunate.