I am putting this question in several countries forums, as we are not sure yet of the destination, and the answer may be different in different areas.
We are seniors in New Jersey, who have handicap placards in our car,so that we can park in designated spaces.
If we were to rent a car in Madrid to go to either Toledo,Segovia, or Avila,would those placards displayed,be acceptable to avoid tickets in those areas.
Thank you
I´ve used them when guiding in the Basque Country with a family in a similar situation, and I just called the local police in each town to confirm that it was valid in all of them.
So basically contact the police department in each town?
Ok,that actually makes sense.
Thank you
Here is what Google says:
Officially, Spain recognizes US handicap placards for parking in
designated disabled spaces based on reciprocal agreements under the
International Transport Forum and ECMT Resolution 97/4. As long as
your US placard features the International Symbol of Access (the
wheelchair logo), it is legally accepted across the country. However,
local enforcement and rules vary significantly by municipality, so you
must understand how to use it correctly to avoid issues.
But why in the world would you need a car when you can much more easily go by public transportation?
I am with you on trains for day trips.
Yesterday, my wife raised the issue of flexibility, by renting a car,and my philosophy is choose your battles, so I said I would research the issue
Cars in Europe are the opposite of convenient.
Understand that disability parking spots are not necessarily right out in front of stores like they are in the U.S. While there is plenty of parking in Toledo, Segovia, and Ávila, there could still be a decent walk from the parking garage to the historic centers. Each of the places you mentioned have vehicle restrictions in parts or all of the historic centers.
I think it would not be necessary to contact the local police, unless you´re fluent in Spanish. In any case, there are underground parkings in most towns in your itinerary, in case you are in doubt.
Consider also the bus (coach: safest, very comfortable, punctual, cheap and very clean), trains do not take you everywhere but buses do and are more frequent than trains.
Thank you for all the answers.
It has been helpful.
Her concern is in some places,if you miss a train,you have over an hour wait for another, so I have information, I present it to her,and we go from there
Regarding the buses,are they all low step or kneeling?
If not that's problematic for my wife.
“But why in the world would you need a car…”
We all have our own preferences for how we travel. Why do you need to question them?
Modern buses have an access for handicapped and lower steps.
@Archimedes,thank you
This is what we have found to be the most convenient when walking is involved.
Take a taxi from your hotel to the train station.
Give yourself plenty of time to make the train you want. In Toledo or Segovia, take a second taxi from the train station to the area you want to visit. In our case, we said cathedral and that taxi chugged right up that huge hill and dropped us at the door of the cathedral. We did the same in reverse to get back to our hotel in Madrid. I’m a big believer in using taxis because they go door-to-door. I have no idea how close the parking is in these historic areas.
In Toledo you can get a bus at the train station to Plaza Zacodover, there’s also a bus from the old quarter to Plaza Z, saves trudging Bach up the hill in summer heat.
