FOR the first time, I feel compelled to respond to a letter (News Shopper, January 3).

Mrs Thompson complained about her daughter receiving a ticket for parking in "an empty" disabled bay at 8.30pm.

Her daughter, as an able-bodied person, had no right to occupy this space, regardless of the hour.

Does she honestly think disabled people dont go out in the evening and therefore do not need these essential facilities?

Disabled parking bays are there for a very good reason, which is quite self-explanatory.

Anybody parking there, who does not possess the requisite disabled badge, deserves to face the consequences of their actions and I applaud the efficiency of the parking wardens, which some misguided people might deem to be "extra zealous".

If Mrs Thompsons daughter cannot afford £10, let alone £20, then maybe she should consider using public transport.

Nikki Clark (16)

Queenswood Road

Sidcup