I have often parked in that spot, for some reason it is often empty when all the other spots around are taken, I think because there was a blue line on one side and it was next to the disabled bays people just assumed it was also a disabled bay.
I think the council realised I was getting on in years and deserved a spot close to the walkway, so just decided to formalise it as a bay for me.

They probably should have put my name on it or at least put the grey hair on the figure as suggested by sugarqube, but what with the natural foot, poostance, c kite and unstrapped it is obviously my bay, I must remember to put that sticker they issued me on my windscreen.