Bendigo still retains a “country town” feel about it, but I am concerned about the attitudes of many in the community – mainly the young, in this instance – in relation to illegal parking in designated disabled parking bays.

As a legally disabled permit holder, I, and I am sure along with many others of my age with health problems that limit our mobility, find it increasingly frustrating to find that our parking spots are regularly being taken by obviously fit, young people who are either too lazy to walk that little bit further, or simply could not care less about the needs of the elderly.

In this case I am targeting the Lansell Plaza shopping complex, and not necessarily other areas of Bendigo.

This practice happens regularly on a daily basis, and only recently I was personally abused by a carload of young girls who “jumped” my spot outside a fruit shop at the plaza when I asked to see their permit.

It makes me wonder if they possess enough self-discipline and respect for the elderly, which in my time was instilled in us all while growing up.

Perhaps it is time council parking officers conducted random checks at Lansell – they would make a killing in fines and at the same time return the bays to those they were designed to serve.

J. Ebery,

Kangaroo Flat