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The Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (Scotland) Bill has been passed – meaning anyone using a designated spaces without a blue badge faces a fine of up to £60.

The law is a private member’s bill by Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie. The move won cross-party support, but some MSPs raised concern about the costs of implementing the legislation.

I have long proposed an alternative solution – simply introduce a new statutory defence to a charge of smashing a car with a baseball bat. This way, no-one would dare to park in a disabled parking bay without the proper authority as a smashed car is much more of a deterrent than a measly £60 fine. Also it provides useful (and lawful) exercise for our young people – while allowing them to contribute to a better society.

A classic win-win. Now, what about those people who park in the parent and child spaces, when their child is obviously at least 14 years old and/or at home watching TV?