Bad parking... Or is it?

Princess Calla

Before I get slated, I am very conscious of others when I park.

However a photo in the "post your bad parking " thread got me thinking.

I have two young children in carseats so obviously I need to be able to open the back doors wide.

Generally if I go shopping or whatever I leave the kids at home, or if I've both of them their dad is with me, so I haven't encountered the problem yet.

Two events that really stand out for me and I'm sure there's more but theses were the wtf moments.

First was when I was about 7 months pregnant on my first, I went to a well known retail Park really early on a Sunday morning. Parked well away from all the shops....my car was the only one in the row. I hadn't even the seatbelt off when a van parked right beside me. Now I'm tiny but bump and I were not fitting out, so had to move the car.

Second incident was more tricky, this time I had the eldest about 2 years old at this stage. Small car park, busy enough shops. Park the car have space to get baby out of carseat etc. Come back another car has parked over the dividing line so I can no longer get car door open for babyseat. Think I managed to get them in the seat by dragging them across the backseat but couldn't get them strapped in right,so had to reverse the car so back door was free, get out fix the child up, then continue on my way.

So finally I get to my point, if I'm on my own with the two kids. I probably will be the ar*ehole that takes over two spots, just so I can ensure access to both carseats. I don't really see another option.... Or is there?

Now I will be considerate and pick a spot well away, I have never felt the need to park on the doorstep. Obviously if there's family parking I'll use that.

How did you manage when flying solo?

I'm probably going to be slated now.

Del2005

There is nothing to stop the next inconsiderate person from parking as badly as you and blocking you in.

Park correctly and learn to work around the inconsiderate people, don't become one

dodzy

Del2005 wrote: »

There is nothing to stop the next inconsiderate person from parking as badly as you and blocking you in.

Park correctly and learn to work around the inconsiderate people, don't become one

Get to mater hospital underground car park in anything other than a fiat 500 and you’ll soon change your tune.

Irishphotodesk

Princess Calla wrote: »

Before I get slated, I am very conscious of others when I park.

However a photo in the "post your bad parking " thread got me thinking.

I have two young children in carseats so obviously I need to be able to open the back doors wide.

Generally if I go shopping or whatever I leave the kids at home, or if I've both of them their dad is with me, so I haven't encountered the problem yet.

Two events that really stand out for me and I'm sure there's more but theses were the wtf moments.

First was when I was about 7 months pregnant on my first, I went to a well known retail Park really early on a Sunday morning. Parked well away from all the shops....my car was the only one in the row. I hadn't even the seatbelt off when a van parked right beside me. Now I'm tiny but bump and I were not fitting out, so had to move the car.

Second incident was more tricky, this time I had the eldest about 2 years old at this stage. Small car park, busy enough shops. Park the car have space to get baby out of carseat etc. Come back another car has parked over the dividing line so I can no longer get car door open for babyseat. Think I managed to get them in the seat by dragging them across the backseat but couldn't get them strapped in right,so had to reverse the car so back door was free, get out fix the child up, then continue on my way.

So finally I get to my point, if I'm on my own with the two kids. I probably will be the ar*ehole that takes over two spots, just so I can ensure access to both carseats. I don't really see another option.... Or is there?

Now I will be considerate and pick a spot well away, I have never felt the need to park on the doorstep. Obviously if there's family parking I'll use that.

How did you manage when flying solo?

I'm probably going to be slated now.

As a parent of young twins , I feel your pain.... But I park correctly and sometimes drive around looking for an end row space or family space before parking.
you can only park your own vehicle so choosing a space usually results in someone parking alongside , if these people are inconsiderate there isn't a whole lot you can do, my wife has stood at the car waiting for inconsiderate parkers to return to show them they needed to leave move space - especially when it's obviously a family car we have.

please continue to park correctly and be a good example to other motorists, subconsciously your behaviour is recorded by others, if you think it's ok to park across two spaces to facilitate using the space, a self entitled person may believe they also have the right to do it, they don't know your circumstances.... All they see is a vehicle parked across two spaces, they don't see a parent with 2+ kids and a trolley of shopping, please park correctly and feel free to inform shop management if a vehicle is blocking access to your car or let them know if the spaces are too small to use safely.

Irishphotodesk

It should be more space instead of move space at end of first paragraph.

Del2005

dodzy wrote: »

Get to mater hospital underground car park in anything other than a fiat 500 and you’ll soon change your tune.

What tune? Park correctly isn't a tune its a basic of driving. You can get fined for parking outside the bay on public roads, may now that clamping is legal private car parks should start camping people not in the bay

redcup342

Del2005 wrote: »

There is nothing to stop the next inconsiderate person from parking as badly as you and blocking you in.

Park correctly and learn to work around the inconsiderate people, don't become one

Just park diagonally across the two spaces. That's what they do here in Germany 

*runs off*

Lantus

This is a system problem, not a people problem. I'd make spaces larger as they get further away from the store with a priority walkway for pedestrians.

freddieot

Lantus wrote: »

This is a system problem, not a people problem. I'd make spaces larger as they get further away from the store with a priority walkway for pedestrians.

A very good point. Until recently I drove a 2015 X5. It simply does not fit into a large number of parking spots including Tesco, Supervalu etc. It's too long by a few inches and if you park in the very centre of a spot (just), then it's a nightmare trying to get in if someone parks near the line on the drivers side of the spot. I'm sure lots of people carriers and SUVs (Galaxy, Q7, vans etc.) know exactly what I mean. If you have never driven a very large vehicle then you may not have noticed this but take a look next time at how much space is actually left to open doors etc. when one of these bigger ships is parked exactly in the centre.

I fully understand the OPs pain. I always parked further from the door in order to try to ensure more space to get back in. However, parking across two spots is not the answer. That just spreads the problem and the annoyance to others. I avoid certain carparks and supermarkets because of the carpark sizes. I'd suggest doing the same where possible or getting there early in the morning when it's fairly empty.

Another thing I find is that if the car is filthy then people do not park so close. When it's spotless they are as tight as new levis

Again, it's an Irish thing. Drivers either blaming each other (rightly or wrongly in some cases) where much of the core issue is with greedy businesses trying to squeeze in extra punters in their carparks and to hell with the problems it causes for drivers. Those who give planning permission for 500 cars instead of 450 for example also have a lot to answer for.

antix80

freddieot wrote: »

Again, it's an Irish thing. Drivers either blaming each other (rightly or wrongly in some cases) where much of the core issue is with greedy businesses trying to squeeze in extra punters in their carparks and to hell with the problems it causes for drivers. Those who give planning permission for 500 cars instead of 450 for example also have a lot to answer for.

Probably part of regulations or planning permission. Often there's a ridiculous number of disabled spaces too.

Princess Calla

Just to clarify I've never taken two spots.

I was curious if anyone had any little tricks they do. Obviously legal.

My first babyseat was on passenger side, so I'd often Park driver side as close to the line while still inside the space so I had the extra space on passenger /car seat side. If someone then parked along side me I'd still get the baby in and get into the driver seat via passenger side.....I'm small. Obviously with two that's not really an option.

I'm not driving a suv either it's a relatively small car.

Stheno

Princess Calla wrote: »

Just to clarify I've never taken two spots.

I was curious if anyone had any little tricks they do. Obviously legal.

My first babyseat was on passenger side, so I'd often Park driver side as close to the line while still inside the space so I had the extra space on passenger /car seat side. If someone then parked along side me I'd still get the baby in and get into the driver seat via passenger side.....I'm small. Obviously with two that's not really an option.

I'm not driving a suv either it's a relatively small car.

Are there no family spaces in all these car parks?

Princess Calla

Stheno wrote: »

Are there no family spaces in all these car parks?

When I got blocked by the van when I was pregnant, yes there was...did I use it...no, baby was inside me...could I have used it...that's abit of a grey area....

The time when I had to get the child into carseat and reverse back... Nope.. Unused disabled spaces but no family spaces.

As I said in op I tend to leave the kids at home where possible. If both are in the car the dad is too and the children are taken out/put in with the car half out of the space, he then stays with them while I park fully.

My local shopping centre has about 10 if even family spaces that are always full.

I was just posing the question to find out others advice.

Call me Al

I had two under 2 for a while so went through this whole parking conundrum for a couple of years.
I used to park further away from the supermarket door so that I would usually be left with plenty of space to load and unload the kids. I also used to have the buggy with me for other journeys, and that would keep one child safe and out of harms way whilst I put other in their car seat.

Del2005

Princess Calla wrote: »

Just to clarify I've never taken two spots.

I was curious if anyone had any little tricks they do. Obviously legal.

My first babyseat was on passenger side, so I'd often Park driver side as close to the line while still inside the space so I had the extra space on passenger /car seat side. If someone then parked along side me I'd still get the baby in and get into the driver seat via passenger side.....I'm small. Obviously with two that's not really an option.

I'm not driving a suv either it's a relatively small car.

Park at the end of a line.

dodzy

Del2005 wrote: »

What tune? Park correctly isn't a tune its a basic of driving. You can get fined for parking outside the bay on public roads, may now that clamping is legal private car parks should start camping people not in the bay

You obviously have only frequented parking spaces with more than adequate room for access & egress. Consider yourself lucky. They are out there; by that I mean spaces that 2 decent sized cars cannot park inside the confines of the markings and get in/out of each vehicle without being a contortionist.

GrumpyMe

freddieot wrote: »

A very good point. Until recently I drove a 2015 X5. It simply does not fit into a large number of parking spots including Tesco, Supervalu etc. It's too long by a few inches

2015 Mondeo - length 4871mm
2015 X5 - length 4907.28mm
Difference < 1.5 inches


So you are not alone!
:rolleyes:

Princess Calla

Then if you've driven in and neighbour reversed into a space trying to open the doors without taking their wing mirrors is also fun!

At least I know I'm not alone in frustration!!

lawred2

Del2005 wrote: »

There is nothing to stop the next inconsiderate person from parking as badly as you and blocking you in.

Park correctly and learn to work around the inconsiderate people, don't become one

What are you on about? Did you read any of the OP? She is parking correctly. She went to great lengths to explain that.

ted1

Princess Calla wrote: »

Before I get slated, I am very conscious of others when I park.

However a photo in the "post your bad parking " thread got me thinking.

I have two young children in carseats so obviously I need to be able to open the back doors wide.

Generally if I go shopping or whatever I leave the kids at home, or if I've both of them their dad is with me, so I haven't encountered the problem yet.

Two events that really stand out for me and I'm sure there's more but theses were the wtf moments.

First was when I was about 7 months pregnant on my first, I went to a well known retail Park really early on a Sunday morning. Parked well away from all the shops....my car was the only one in the row. I hadn't even the seatbelt off when a van parked right beside me. Now I'm tiny but bump and I were not fitting out, so had to move the car.

Second incident was more tricky, this time I had the eldest about 2 years old at this stage. Small car park, busy enough shops. Park the car have space to get baby out of carseat etc. Come back another car has parked over the dividing line so I can no longer get car door open for babyseat. Think I managed to get them in the seat by dragging them across the backseat but couldn't get them strapped in right,so had to reverse the car so back door was free, get out fix the child up, then continue on my way.

So finally I get to my point, if I'm on my own with the two kids. I probably will be the ar*ehole that takes over two spots, just so I can ensure access to both carseats. I don't really see another option.... Or is there?

Now I will be considerate and pick a spot well away, I have never felt the need to park on the doorstep. Obviously if there's family parking I'll use that.

How did you manage when flying solo?

I'm probably going to be slated now.

I can get three kids in the car with seatbelts in without taking 2 spaces.

Princess Calla

Irishphotodesk wrote: »

It should be more space instead of move space at end of first paragraph.

Do you know how many times I re-read my op looking for that error.... Then I realised you were talking about your own post

Twins seriously fair play doing anything solo!!

Princess Calla

ted1 wrote: »

I can get three kids in the car with seatbelts in without taking 2 spaces.

How old are the kids? I presume if just using seatbelts they are relatively old and can step into a car themselves.

keano25

I'm very concise of everyone else that's why I always park dead center in a parking spot..

God forbid I parked sideways and someone with a chip on their shoulder took a picture of my car and stuck it up on the internet..

Anyway parked my lovely, not new but well cared for car in a spot last week only to come back and find a nice long straight dint down my door clearly caused by someone getting out of the car next to me.

Expect to see my car on the you park like a **** page in the near future.. all consideration by me for everyone else is now gone.

vicwatson

Princess Calla wrote: »

How old are the kids? I presume if just using seatbelts they are relatively old and can step into a car themselves.

Whilst whacking the crap out of the car beside you

vicwatson

keano25 wrote: »

I'm very concise of everyone else that's why I always park dead center in a parking spot..

God forbid I parked sideways and someone with a chip on their shoulder took a picture of my car and stuck it up on the internet..

Anyway parked my lovely, not new but well cared for car in a spot last week only to come back and find a nice long straight dint down my door clearly caused by someone getting out of the car next to me.

Expect to see my car on the you park like a **** page in the near future.. all consideration by me for everyone else is now gone.

Same here

I will unashamedly take two spots if that’s what it takes to keep an expensive car dent and scratch free or park away and walk, but as we see that doesn’t always help

There is almost this attitude nowadays that you have to expect to be dented by inconsiderate people in car parks, but no, I don’t expect my expensive property to be damaged by inconsiderate motorists.

Part of the problem is that car park design engineers all drive smart cars or fiat 500’s

Space width not adequate for modern car widths

ted1

Princess Calla wrote: »

How old are the kids? I presume if just using seatbelts they are relatively old and can step into a car themselves.

10, 7 and 4. But since they were born it’s never been an issue

DuckSlice

keano25 wrote: »

I'm very concise of everyone else that's why I always park dead center in a parking spot..

God forbid I parked sideways and someone with a chip on their shoulder took a picture of my car and stuck it up on the internet..

Anyway parked my lovely, not new but well cared for car in a spot last week only to come back and find a nice long straight dint down my door clearly caused by someone getting out of the car next to me.

Expect to see my car on the you park like a **** page in the near future.. all consideration by me for everyone else is now gone.

Someone done this to me while I was stood beside my car waiting for them to get out so I could get in. And they were parked well away but felt they needed the door opened fully. Just about apologised. assssholes. they decided there was no mark on my car and off they went. felt like getting a golf club out of my car and giving it a belt.

OP there isn't much you can do, people will park beside cars in an empty car park. Many times ive had to get into my car through the passenger side.

Princess Calla

ted1 wrote: »

10, 7 and 4. But since they were born it’s never been an issue

So how did you manage if you came back to the car and cars on both sides were parked very close?

Like in my op I had to squeeze the toddler in one side, reverse back until door was free, get back out and strap them in properly.

If I had a second child with me one of them would have been left outside alone while I moved the car, put them on passenger seat with seat belt while I moved the car or I would have had to wait until the owners of the other car returned none of these options overly appeal to me but the passenger seat one would probably win.

I'm sure I'm over thinking it put I like to have a worst case scenario gameplan in my head.

AndrewJRenko

antix80 wrote: »

Probably part of regulations or planning permission. Often there's a ridiculous number of disabled spaces too.

New builds must have 5% of parking spaces as accessible spaces. About 12% of the population have a disability in the Census.

What's ridiculous?

AndrewJRenko

freddieot wrote: »

A very good point. Until recently I drove a 2015 X5. It simply does not fit into a large number of parking spots including Tesco, Supervalu etc. It's too long by a few inches and if you park in the very centre of a spot (just), then it's a nightmare trying to get in if someone parks near the line on the drivers side of the spot. I'm sure lots of people carriers and SUVs (Galaxy, Q7, vans etc.) know exactly what I mean. If you have never driven a very large vehicle then you may not have noticed this but take a look next time at how much space is actually left to open doors etc. when one of these bigger ships is parked exactly in the centre.

I fully understand the OPs pain. I always parked further from the door in order to try to ensure more space to get back in. However, parking across two spots is not the answer. That just spreads the problem and the annoyance to others. I avoid certain carparks and supermarkets because of the carpark sizes. I'd suggest doing the same where possible or getting there early in the morning when it's fairly empty.

Another thing I find is that if the car is filthy then people do not park so close. When it's spotless they are as tight as new levis

Again, it's an Irish thing. Drivers either blaming each other (rightly or wrongly in some cases) where much of the core issue is with greedy businesses trying to squeeze in extra punters in their carparks and to hell with the problems it causes for drivers. Those who give planning permission for 500 cars instead of 450 for example also have a lot to answer for.

Maybe the 'greedy' bit comes from the drivers buying larger and larger vehicles, largely for vanity reasons more than practical reasons, and expecting the world to revolve around their desires for storage space for their private property?

wonski

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

New builds must have 5% of parking spaces as accessible spaces. About 12% of the population have a disability in the Census.

What's ridiculous?

12%?

Was Ireland a battle field recently???

AndrewJRenko

wonski wrote: »

12%?

Was Ireland a battle field recently???

It's a fairly typical finding worldwide. WHO will tell you about the billion disabled people on the planet. Some people are born with disabilities, some people acquire them through illness or injury, some people just get older, and various parts of the body wear out.

wonski

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

It's a fairly typical finding worldwide. WHO will tell you about the billion disabled people on the planet. Some people are born with disabilities, some people acquire them through illness or injury, some people just get older, and various parts of the body wear out.

I would rather see the number of blue badges issued rather than self declared disabilities in census, some of them are questionable.

Not being mean now to people with diabetes etc, but it is not disability in terms of mobility.

I am looking at it from driving perspective so it's completely different number I think.

PsychoPete

I've no problem taking up two spaces if it means my car won't be hit and I've no problem with other people doing it. The main problem is spaces are too small for modern cars

GBX

Parking at the end of the line doesnt guarantee space either as there are people who will park beside now matter how busy the location is. They will create their own space.

ted1

Princess Calla wrote: »

So how did you manage if you came back to the car and cars on both sides were parked very close?

Gently open the door as gas as I can and put them in , turn body sideways and close belts or climb in to front and then reach around and close belts.

Del2005

dodzy wrote: »

You obviously have only frequented parking spaces with more than adequate room for access & egress. Consider yourself lucky. They are out there; by that I mean spaces that 2 decent sized cars cannot park inside the confines of the markings and get in/out of each vehicle without being a contortionist.

I couldn't get into my car one time because someone parked to tight, I just got over it and try to park at an end or miles from the door now.

lawred2 wrote: »

What are you on about? Did you read any of the OP? She is parking correctly. She went to great lengths to explain that.

The OP was thinking about parking badly to make space. I was pointing out that parking badly or correctly doesn't make any difference a person can part too close no matter how or where you park

Princess Calla

Del2005 wrote: »

I couldn't get into my car one time because someone parked to tight, I just got over it and try to park at an end or miles from the door now.



The OP was thinking about parking badly to make space. I was pointing out that parking badly or correctly doesn't make any difference a person can part too close no matter how or where you park

I was talking about parking badly to enable me to get my children out of and into the car safely. Do I want to go down this route, no not particularly.

I am pretty certain I'm not the only parent in the world so I asked the question for abit of guidance.

If I'm picking a space with the kids I usually go as far away as possible as it makes getting buggy out etc a lot easier. I'm in no one's way.

However as I mentioned in the OP when I was pregnant I parked in a completely empty row right at the furthest point from the shop, in that particular row. Hadn't even got out of the car and a van parked beside me so close I couldn't open the door.

Lord Nikon

GrumpyMe wrote: »

2015 Mondeo - length 4871mm
2015 X5 - length 4907.28mm
Difference < 1.5 inches


So you are not alone!
:rolleyes:

My 2012 A6 is over 100mm wider than the 2015 X5. Old shopping centre car parks need wider spaces to make up for new cars.

Del2005

Princess Calla wrote: »

I was talking about parking badly to enable me to get my children out of and into the car safely. Do I want to go down this route, no not particularly.

I am pretty certain I'm not the only parent in the world so I asked the question for abit of guidance.

If I'm picking a space with the kids I usually go as far away as possible as it makes getting buggy out etc a lot easier. I'm in no one's way.

However as I mentioned in the OP when I was pregnant I parked in a completely empty row right at the furthest point from the shop, in that particular row. Hadn't even got out of the car and a van parked beside me so close I couldn't open the door.

It doesn't matter how or where you park an ignorant fecker will block you in.

GrumpyMe

Now I may be wrong - I'm not a petrol head but...

Wiki has A6's width's at various sizes between 1783mm to 1886mm
It has the BMW 2015 X5 at 1938mm.

A case of boys not being to spot the difference between 8 inches and real life?