In One Parking.

[quiksilver]

I have noticed there seems to be a growing trend of motorists that seem to think they can park in one manouvre. That or they just cannot be bothered to adjust their position before abandoning their cars. See photo: saw this one the other evening in a supermarket car park. Probably the worst I have seen yet, unless you know otherwise???

[kwackers]

He doesn't have at least one wheel on the red stuff, so yep I've seen worse...

[thirdcrank]

My own gripe is people who straddle two bays. I did think of getting some stickers if you need two bays, try Brid.

[reohn2]

My gripe is,why on earthe aren't parking bays at an angle instead of the stupid 90deg bays! Angled bays are easier to drive into and out of with better visibility when exiting

[danfoto]

Angled bays are easier to drive into and out of with better visibility when exiting

What has always puzzled me is why people don't just learn to reverse their cars properly so they do the safest thing i.e. reverse into a parking bay then drive out forwards?

And don't get me started on those who proceed forwards into their driveways only to reverse out into the road in due course. AFAIK that's still illegal in Germany. Would that it were the same here ...

[reohn2]

What has always puzzled me is why people don't just learn to reverse their cars properly so they do the safest thing i.e. reverse into a parking bay then drive out forwards?

Not necessary if bays were angled or convenient if bays are @ 90deg and driver needs to get to the boot with groceries.

And don't get me started on those who proceed forwards into their driveways only to reverse out into the road in due course. AFAIK that's still illegal in Germany. Would that it were the same here ...

That is one thing that should be illegal IMO

[[XAP]Bob]

My own gripe is people who straddle two bays. I did think of getting some stickers if you need two bays, try Brid.

I do that sometimes - only when there are no parent and toddler spaces left. There simply isn't enough space in a normal bay to get a rear facing baby seat out of the car on one side and lift a small toddler into their seat on the other side.

I'm certainly not leaving them standing around while I back the car out into the carriageway to get that space.

But if there are no car seats (or disabled stickers) then I agree, although I'm more infuriated by teenage boys who use the toddler or disabled bays and the parents of kids who can climb into their seats and strap themselves in who still use the toddler spaces.
And the fact that there is no obvious way to say "I've got a broken leg and need to use disabled spaces for 6 weeks"

[gilesjuk]

My own gripe is people who straddle two bays. I did think of getting some stickers if you need two bays, try Brid.

They do that for a reason. They have a posh car and want plenty of space either side so their doors don't get dented.

Supermarket car parks are notorious for that, kids pushing open the doors and slamming their door into yours.

[Geriatrix]

And don't get me started on those who proceed forwards into their driveways only to reverse out into the road in due course. AFAIK that's still illegal in Germany. Would that it were the same here ...

Related is parallel parking on the wrong side of the road. i.e., with the driver side closest to the curb. When exiting the parking the driver has to move half the vehicle into the road before he/she has a view of oncoming traffic. This practice is illegal in most countries and places any cyclist approaching in the secondary position is at risk.

[danfoto]

Related is parallel parking on the wrong side of the road. i.e., with the driver side closest to the curb. When exiting the parking the driver has to move half the vehicle into the road before he/she has a view of oncoming traffic. This practice is illegal in most countries and places any cyclist approaching in the secondary position is at risk.

Hah! Another pet peeve of mine - especially as, en route to the shops of a morning, I very often cycle past a long line of airhead yummy mummies hastening to drop Tristan and Coriander off at school ASAP before dashing off to the gym and/or a little mid-morning fornication.

Almost without exception they're on the wrong side of the road, but I comfort myself in the knowledge that if one of them has a front seat passenger who doors me, at least I'm in with a chance off hitting the door with enough force to inflict considerable pain upon said passemger as it closes hard on her fingers. Better to be doored that way than t'other ...

[gilesjuk]

Isn't it illegal to park your car on the right hand side of the road facing the traffic? something to do with the reflectors on the back of the car not being visible when parked that way.

[byegad]

My gripe is,why on earthe aren't parking bays at an angle instead of the stupid 90deg bays! Angled bays are easier to drive into and out of with better visibility when exiting

I read somewhere that men prefer angled bays and women prefer bays to be at 90 degrees. Something to do with differences in spatial awareness. Rather like the idea men read maps better than women. The latter is not always true as my dear old Dad couldn't find his way out of a paper bag, but Ma could negotiate her way through a strange city by instinct. (Mind you she couldn't park for a Gold Watch and Index Linked Pension, whereas he could!)

[drossall]

And don't get me started on those who proceed forwards into their driveways only to reverse out into the road in due course...

That is one thing that should be illegal IMO

Not illegal, but it is covered in Rule 201. You'd have thought anyone causing injury to a pedestrian or cyclist while reversing off a drive could be prosecuted on that basis.

[thirdcrank]

Isn't it illegal to park your car on the right hand side of the road facing the traffic? something to do with the reflectors on the back of the car not being visible when parked that way.

That only applies at night.

The whole regulation is here and it's a bit labrynthine:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989 ... on/24/made

[reohn2]

My gripe is,why on earthe aren't parking bays at an angle instead of the stupid 90deg bays! Angled bays are easier to drive into and out of with better visibility when exiting

I read somewhere that men prefer angled bays and women prefer bays to be at 90 degrees. Something to do with differences in spatial awareness.

I couldn't possibly comment but I know (as a man) which i'd rather park in.