A St Andrews woman with two artificial legs has been told she cannot have a disabled parking space outside her home because a cycle lane has already been painted on the road.
And to make matters worse, the markings indicating the start of the cycle lane are only a few metres long.
Anita Gatherum (45) and her partner Fraser Renfrew live in Lamond Drive, but their house sits on the corner with Langlands Road.
As there is a roundabout on the Lamond Drive side of their home, they asked Fife Council to mark out a disabled parking space for Anita who drives an adapted car which she can control just her hands around the corner on the Langlands Road side.
However, they were told it was impossible to create a disabled parking space because markings indicating the start of cycle lane had already been put on the road.
A disabled parking space has been marked out farther up the road, but the distance makes it difficult for Anita, who walks using crutches, to get to her home.
Mr Renfrew said: ”They said they couldn’t remove the cycle lane to put in a disabled parking space. How is she supposed to get in with her shopping?”
Ms Gatherum, who works at The Fairmont Hotel, asked the council for a move to St Andrews from Anstruther because she found it impossible to drive to her work during winter.
”The reason we had to move is because Anita has to drive with one hand so it was too dangerous in the snow,” he said. ”The council gave us this place but it’s not ideal.”
The couple’s Lamond Drive home is also several feet above street level so Anita must climb up steps to reach the front door.
”I work as a taxi driver and sometimes I have to come off the job to come home and help her in,” said Mr Renfrew. ”Most of the time she manages, but it is a struggle without a ramp.”
He added: ”We had the occupational therapist out, but all they said was they could lower the light switches and put a handrail in the bathroom.”
Capability Scotland’s Richard Hamer warned the problem could be repeated around the country as cycle lanes become more common.
He said: ”This situation highlights the barriers disabled people face when getting out and about.
”Capability Scotland is aware that many disabled people find public transport inaccessible and are, therefore, reliant on their cars for getting from A to B. It follows that they need to be able to park close to home.
”In this instance, it appears the council have deemed the area outside the house as unsuitable for an accessible parking bay because of the cycle lane.
”With cycle lanes becoming more commonplace in Scotland, this is an issue that could well affect more disabled householders across the country in the future.
”While we are sure the council has looked into this thoroughly, it would be great if a compromise could be reached.”
Colin Gilbert, Fife Council’s area housing and neighbourhood team leader for North East Fife, said if the couple’s current home is unsuitable they will consider finding alternative accommodation.
He said: ”If the needs of our tenants change since accepting their tenancy agreement then we will, of course, review their situation and if required make any necessary adaptions to their home.
”If there have been significant changes to their circumstances then alternative housing may be necessary. This would require a new application to be made for accommodation.”