Parking rage – the little-known relation of road rage – is sweeping the nation, with More and more drivers admitting to getting wound up by poor parking and more than three million Brits saying they spy on their neighbours to check they don’t park in the ‘wrong place.’ By law motorists can usually park where they like on the public road – even outside someone’s front door or window, though not blocking their driveway – unless restrictions such as yellow lines or safety issues apply.
WITH every prolonged horn honk and rude hand gesture, some motorists are sliding further up on Santa’s naughty list.
The festive season is creeping closer and so is car park rage.Council officers will still continue to oversee general parking regulations throughout the area to ensure the safety of road users and pedestrians and help to support customer flow for businesses.Council officers will still continue to oversee general parking regulations throughout the county to ensure the safety of road users and pedestrians and help to support customer flow for businesses.
Christmas cheer goes out the window when it comes to nabbing an elusive spot at shopping centres.
CAR parking spots are in hot demand during the Christmas shopping rush, but getting a good spot close to the entry is not worth ruining someone’s or your own Christmas holidays.
Mr Noel Gibbons road safety officer said “For some reason, instead of bringing joy to the world and peace on Earth, gentle mums and placid pensioners are turning into different people the moment they enter a car park and go mad for the parking space closest to the entry doors,” he said.
“There is little doubt that in December, shopping centre car parks become increasingly busy, and free car parking spaces become more and more elusive.
“However, that shouldn’t mean we let common courtesy fly out the passenger side window.”
That’s the message from the Road safety office of Mayo County Council , as it urges Motorists not to lose their cool during what can be a stressful time.Parking rage is very common. Most drivers experience anger and frustration in busy parking lots on busy days at busy times. This frustration and anger needs to be dealt with, or else it comes out into the open as a hostile or aggressive act. Once you express anger or hostility towards others, you have lost control of the situation because you never know how the other is going to react. If you don’t express your anger you retain control over the situation.
Many phone calls to the road safety office show car park rage is a major issue.
Christmas parking rage is not far away as we endlessly queue to find that seven-foot by four-foot bit of earth to leave our cars.
“This year we’re reminding people they’re responsible for their actions, and when it comes to car park behaviour exercising simple courtesy to other motorists helps make it a happy Christmas for all,” Noel Gibbons said.
“While manners go a long way, so does common sense, so make sure to always obey car park signage and any requests from management to ensure the smoothest flow of traffic.
“If you’re someone who feels their blood pressure rising at the thought of Christmas crowds, make sure you get your shopping done early; and these days of course you have the option of avoiding the crush altogether by shopping online which many local shops offer.”
Car park etiquette
*Park straight in the space. Leave room each side so you can open doors without hitting the cars beside you.
*Don’t straddle a line and take up two parking spaces. This is not only rude, it also makes it impossible for others to park.
*Take your turn when waiting for a parking spot. When you see someone leaving, get as close as you can and turn on your indicator.
*The closest car waiting for a park with an indicator on takes priority.
*If you have a small compact car, do not pull into the space all the way to avoid false impressions a space is vacant.
* If you are too worked up , call back later.
Top 5 that cause RAGE
1. Another parked car blocking your car in
2. A badly parked car taking up more than one space
3. A car parked so close that you can’t get out of your space
4. Someone parking across your drive
5. Someone taking your car parking space when you’ve been waiting patiently for it in a busy car park
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