‘Back in 5’ campaign comes to Cootehill

The abuse of accessible parking bays for drivers with disabilities was highlighted in Cootehill last week.
Cootehill Town Team Accessibility sub group, in partnership with local gardaí, Cavan County Council and organisations representing people with disabilities worked together on the ‘Back in 5’ campaign.
As part of the awareness campaign, 10 regular car spaces on the Main street and the nearby carpark had empty wheelchairs/mobility aids parked in them for two hours with messages such as ‘be back in five minutes’, ‘just gone to the bank’ or ‘running in for a coffee’. 
These are the throwaway statements people with disabilities encounter every day when able-bodied motorists occupy their accessible spaces.
The campaign aims to draw attention to the abuse of accessible parking bays and to highlight the need for more accessible parking bays throughout the town.

Frustration
One local person, who is a driver with a disability, voiced her frustration on this issue: “I find myself circling the town maybe three or four times in my efforts to get parked. Then I may have to park away from the entrance and push myself along the pathway, which is not a pleasant trip when it is raining. Sometimes, I resort to going home or to another town where I will do my shopping.”
Similar campaigns have been held elsewhere - one recently in Bailieborough.
Thanking all of those involved, a spokesperson for the Cootehill Town Team Accessibility sub group said: "We hope this campaign will help raise awareness of the abuse of disabled parking spaces in Cootehill and all towns/villages throughout the county and we feel this is a worthwhile event, which could and should be replicated in every town nationwide."