Car Park Psychology.
Discussion
This is a very old picture, taken on a cheap mobile phone years ago, so apologies for the quality and for the fact that I may have posted this before.
However, I guarantee you that this picture is in no way altered, photoshopped or re-touched, and there's no "angle" to it, ie the rest of the car park really is as empty as all that you can see.
This was an emergency run to a Toys R Us store late one evening to buy a present for a relative's child. My car is the Fiat and I parked away from the store in order to not be close to any other cars and risk any damage. I was only in the shop for 5-10 minutes, and the Micra was nowhere to be seen when I parked my car:
The same sort of thing has happened to me elsewhere since, I completely and utterly fail to understand it, to this day.
However, I guarantee you that this picture is in no way altered, photoshopped or re-touched, and there's no "angle" to it, ie the rest of the car park really is as empty as all that you can see.
This was an emergency run to a Toys R Us store late one evening to buy a present for a relative's child. My car is the Fiat and I parked away from the store in order to not be close to any other cars and risk any damage. I was only in the shop for 5-10 minutes, and the Micra was nowhere to be seen when I parked my car:
The same sort of thing has happened to me elsewhere since, I completely and utterly fail to understand it, to this day.
Thin White Duke said:
An iteresting point about being temporarily disabled. Surely common sense prevails and no one would question you parking in a disabled spot on those grounds.
I suspect Flawless Victory would disagree with that! Sadly, some people discriminate against others who are not disabled enough.No-one disputes that a temporary loss of mobility is not as bad as a permanent or long-term disability, but no-one should be in any doubt that, while it lasts, the sufferer is every bit as badly affected.
In fact, at risk of being shouted down, I would even argue that the person with the temporary problem is worse off because they haven't had a chance to figure out the workarounds - for instance my mate Pete can pull wheelies in his wheelchair, but he has had 20 years to practice.
Working at a supermarket (petrol station) 50 hours a week, I've seen more than my fair share of selfish and incompetent drivers. And without a shadow of a doubt, I can honestly say that middle aged woman are by far the worst of the lot (with or without kids). Old people are easy to deal with in comparison.
Its a fact which causes conflict, strife and debate on any motoring forum. But sadly its true, or at last true from my observations and experience.
I had a car written off by a woman trying to swing her Celica GT4 into the bay next to mine, only to hit the rear quarter of my car. Then reverse and try again, just to scrap all along the rear arch. She got out and walked away, I got out and called her back. She was not amused.
General lack of care is another (sexist) issue in a public car park. My Mondeo was dented to buggery, a number of times I witnessed woman simply opening their doors into it without a care in the world. One woman reversed out of her parking bay into me as I was stopped at the end of a row of bays waiting to leave the car park. It was the quiet side of the car park, so obviously there couldn't possibly be a car behind her...
I never liked the Mondeo though. There was nothing wrong with it, but it was the first car I had after my daughter was born and I had to sell my beloved 3 series Coupe. Get the dents removed? Not worth the trouble or money considering the rear seats were slowly being destroyed by small child.
Do doubt about it though, the best place to park in a public car park, is at the end of a row. Preferably, as mentioned earlier, the first bay after the curb/hedgerow and as close to that curb as you can without damaging your alloys. But even so, with such a wide gap between your car and the edge of the bay you are in, its still possible for someone to park next to you and dent your car :|
As for parking in disabled or parent spaces, you deserve the £60 fine and abuse from people who need those bays. Granted, there's countless parents out there who simply don't give a damn (about their car, other peoples cars, and yes even their own kids to a degree) but giving them the option to park in a bay with plenty of space around it (and not near your own car) certainly reduces the chance of them damaging your beloved vehicle.
There was an incident not long ago where the owner of a nice new Jag Xk parked in a Parent/Child bay near the store. In the next bay along, a mother was trying to herd her 3 unruly spawns into a Chelsea Tractor. She had gotten the first 2 in, but the 3rd was in a tantrum and pushing the pram against the nice red Xk.
Who is to blame for the damage caused to the lovely Jag? The parent for allowing her children to grow up in an undisciplined and inconsiderate manner? Or the owner of the Xk for his arrogance and belief that rules only apply to others?
And don't get me started on the 'School Run' parking problems! I live on a road adjacent to a primary school, and the number of inconsiderate and selfish parents is unfathomable. And the staff are just as bad. Theres enough space to get two average sized hatchbacks parked between drive ways, yet theres 3 woman who park in the middle. Every day the same 3 Mini Coopers are parked in pretty much the same places. And because they work at the school, they are there all day. Parents happily park over peoples drive ways and wait, for sometime upto an hour, for the school to finish for the day. The very thought of the residents parking near their homes is incomprehensible to these people. They develop a very blank look as though you have asked them how many bottles of vodka are required to land on the moon!
Its a fact which causes conflict, strife and debate on any motoring forum. But sadly its true, or at last true from my observations and experience.
I had a car written off by a woman trying to swing her Celica GT4 into the bay next to mine, only to hit the rear quarter of my car. Then reverse and try again, just to scrap all along the rear arch. She got out and walked away, I got out and called her back. She was not amused.
General lack of care is another (sexist) issue in a public car park. My Mondeo was dented to buggery, a number of times I witnessed woman simply opening their doors into it without a care in the world. One woman reversed out of her parking bay into me as I was stopped at the end of a row of bays waiting to leave the car park. It was the quiet side of the car park, so obviously there couldn't possibly be a car behind her...
I never liked the Mondeo though. There was nothing wrong with it, but it was the first car I had after my daughter was born and I had to sell my beloved 3 series Coupe. Get the dents removed? Not worth the trouble or money considering the rear seats were slowly being destroyed by small child.
Do doubt about it though, the best place to park in a public car park, is at the end of a row. Preferably, as mentioned earlier, the first bay after the curb/hedgerow and as close to that curb as you can without damaging your alloys. But even so, with such a wide gap between your car and the edge of the bay you are in, its still possible for someone to park next to you and dent your car :|
As for parking in disabled or parent spaces, you deserve the £60 fine and abuse from people who need those bays. Granted, there's countless parents out there who simply don't give a damn (about their car, other peoples cars, and yes even their own kids to a degree) but giving them the option to park in a bay with plenty of space around it (and not near your own car) certainly reduces the chance of them damaging your beloved vehicle.
There was an incident not long ago where the owner of a nice new Jag Xk parked in a Parent/Child bay near the store. In the next bay along, a mother was trying to herd her 3 unruly spawns into a Chelsea Tractor. She had gotten the first 2 in, but the 3rd was in a tantrum and pushing the pram against the nice red Xk.
Who is to blame for the damage caused to the lovely Jag? The parent for allowing her children to grow up in an undisciplined and inconsiderate manner? Or the owner of the Xk for his arrogance and belief that rules only apply to others?
And don't get me started on the 'School Run' parking problems! I live on a road adjacent to a primary school, and the number of inconsiderate and selfish parents is unfathomable. And the staff are just as bad. Theres enough space to get two average sized hatchbacks parked between drive ways, yet theres 3 woman who park in the middle. Every day the same 3 Mini Coopers are parked in pretty much the same places. And because they work at the school, they are there all day. Parents happily park over peoples drive ways and wait, for sometime upto an hour, for the school to finish for the day. The very thought of the residents parking near their homes is incomprehensible to these people. They develop a very blank look as though you have asked them how many bottles of vodka are required to land on the moon!
Edited by Ricwin on Monday 25th June 02:04
While it might not be "correct" for a non-disabled driver to occupy a disabled people's parking bay, the effect for the disabled driver looking for a place to park is actually the same as if a disabled driver would have occupied it. He/she needs to park elsewhere.
Same goes for parent & child spaces. If they are all occupied by parents, for the new person arriving at the supermarket looking for a place to park, it is irrelevant WHO is parking in those spaces.
Therefore I believe ANYONE should be allowed kicking / keying cars which occupy his/her favourite spot, regardless of their owners.
Same goes for parent & child spaces. If they are all occupied by parents, for the new person arriving at the supermarket looking for a place to park, it is irrelevant WHO is parking in those spaces.
Therefore I believe ANYONE should be allowed kicking / keying cars which occupy his/her favourite spot, regardless of their owners.
Some more thoughts:
- What if a BNP/Nazi Skinhead(1) family turns up in a, say, olive/camouflage G-Wagon and parks their car in a P&C bay at Waitrose?
- Phantom/Maybach owners have children, too. Should they be allowed to use the P&C bays?
- Speaking of Maybach....the Middle East families often have much more children that the white middle-class egoistic one-child parent (spending their money rather on new Apple products, "retro" stuff and uni fees). Shouldnt there be an order of precendence? 5 children trump 1.5?
- And a childless minority lesbian (CO2 and global warming expert with her own blog) with a clapped-out Ford? The "System" denies her the right to have children. She would, if she could. No children, but proper PC mind-set. What about her?
(1) yes, I know that the original skinheads listened to Reggae music and hung out with people from Jamaica and were left-wing/working class etc etc etc
- What if a BNP/Nazi Skinhead(1) family turns up in a, say, olive/camouflage G-Wagon and parks their car in a P&C bay at Waitrose?
- Phantom/Maybach owners have children, too. Should they be allowed to use the P&C bays?
- Speaking of Maybach....the Middle East families often have much more children that the white middle-class egoistic one-child parent (spending their money rather on new Apple products, "retro" stuff and uni fees). Shouldnt there be an order of precendence? 5 children trump 1.5?
- And a childless minority lesbian (CO2 and global warming expert with her own blog) with a clapped-out Ford? The "System" denies her the right to have children. She would, if she could. No children, but proper PC mind-set. What about her?
(1) yes, I know that the original skinheads listened to Reggae music and hung out with people from Jamaica and were left-wing/working class etc etc etc
Edited by Rushmore on Monday 25th June 06:24
Is there any kind of age restriction on Parent & Child spaces?
I (44) accompanied my Mum (70) and Dad (75, with a proper blue badge and everything) to their local Asda a couple of weeks ago, as they wanted to buy some garden chairs that were on special offer and needed help getting them in the car.
Dad parked in a P&C space as it was actually closer to the entrance/exit than the disabled spaces (which he could have legitimately used).
His reasoning? "I am a parent and I have my child with me."
I (44) accompanied my Mum (70) and Dad (75, with a proper blue badge and everything) to their local Asda a couple of weeks ago, as they wanted to buy some garden chairs that were on special offer and needed help getting them in the car.
Dad parked in a P&C space as it was actually closer to the entrance/exit than the disabled spaces (which he could have legitimately used).
His reasoning? "I am a parent and I have my child with me."
Thin White Duke said:
How can I easily place my items in the boot if I have reversed into a bay which is either
A) With the rear of the car now up against a wall
or
B) Up against another car behind.
I do realise that driving out of bay is easier and safer (the same applies to driveways) but it makes for an inconvenient shopping experience.
I don't normally park in back to back spaces , or against a wall , but if that is all that is available I dont find it a great hardship to leave the trolley at the front of the car and lift my bags of shopping the length of the car to place it in the boot . For a particularly large or awkward item , I can always bring the car out of the space ( which I would be doing anyway ) and then load my items ( I can generally see that adjacent cars are unoccupied and that I am not bothering anyone by stopping in front of them for a few seconds ) .A) With the rear of the car now up against a wall
or
B) Up against another car behind.
I do realise that driving out of bay is easier and safer (the same applies to driveways) but it makes for an inconvenient shopping experience.
I don't see the problems so many people have .
I always use 'normal' spaces when on my own - reversed neatly and centrally into the space without encroaching on others , and can see where I am going when coming out without reversing into or over anyone , or into other vehicles .
I never use P+C spaces unless I genuinely have my four year old son with me .
I never use disabled spaces unless giving a lift to my father in law or 82 year old mother , both blue badge holders with mobility problems ; sometimes able-bodied people can park in disabled spaces if picking up or dropping off disabled passengers ( although they should display the blue badge ) so what can appear to be misuse is not always so .
I would not object to someone with crutches , even though not registered disabled , from using one of these spaces - even if technically they shouldn't . I agree the idea about some sort of temporary permit is a good one .
Ricwin said:
Working at a supermarket (petrol station) 50 hours a week, I've seen more than my fair share of selfish and incompetent drivers. And without a shadow of a doubt, I can honestly say that middle aged woman are by far the worst of the lot (with or without kids). Old people are easy to deal with in comparison.
Its a fact which causes conflict, strife and debate on any motoring forum. But sadly its true, or at last true from my observations and experience.
I had a car written off by a woman trying to swing her Celica GT4 into the bay next to mine, only to hit the rear quarter of my car. Then reverse and try again, just to scrap all along the rear arch. She got out and walked away, I got out and called her back. She was not amused.
General lack of care is another (sexist) issue in a public car park. My Mondeo was dented to buggery, a number of times I witnessed woman simply opening their doors into it without a care in the world. One woman reversed out of her parking bay into me as I was stopped at the end of a row of bays waiting to leave the car park. It was the quiet side of the car park, so obviously there couldn't possibly be a car behind her...
I never liked the Mondeo though. There was nothing wrong with it, but it was the first car I had after my daughter was born and I had to sell my beloved 3 series Coupe. Get the dents removed? Not worth the trouble or money considering the rear seats were slowly being destroyed by small child.
Do doubt about it though, the best place to park in a public car park, is at the end of a row. Preferably, as mentioned earlier, the first bay after the curb/hedgerow and as close to that curb as you can without damaging your alloys. But even so, with such a wide gap between your car and the edge of the bay you are in, its still possible for someone to park next to you and dent your car :|
As for parking in disabled or parent spaces, you deserve the £60 fine and abuse from people who need those bays. Granted, there's countless parents out there who simply don't give a damn (about their car, other peoples cars, and yes even their own kids to a degree) but giving them the option to park in a bay with plenty of space around it (and not near your own car) certainly reduces the chance of them damaging your beloved vehicle.
There was an incident not long ago where the owner of a nice new Jag Xk parked in a Parent/Child bay near the store. In the next bay along, a mother was trying to herd her 3 unruly spawns into a Chelsea Tractor. She had gotten the first 2 in, but the 3rd was in a tantrum and pushing the pram against the nice red Xk.
Who is to blame for the damage caused to the lovely Jag? The parent for allowing her children to grow up in an undisciplined and inconsiderate manner? Or the owner of the Xk for his arrogance and belief that rules only apply to others?
And don't get me started on the 'School Run' parking problems! I live on a road adjacent to a primary school, and the number of inconsiderate and selfish parents is unfathomable. And the staff are just as bad. Theres enough space to get two average sized hatchbacks parked between drive ways, yet theres 3 woman who park in the middle. Every day the same 3 Mini Coopers are parked in pretty much the same places. And because they work at the school, they are there all day. Parents happily park over peoples drive ways and wait, for sometime upto an hour, for the school to finish for the day. The very thought of the residents parking near their homes is incomprehensible to these people. They develop a very blank look as though you have asked them how many bottles of vodka are required to land on the moon!
Twelve. No, wait.....Its a fact which causes conflict, strife and debate on any motoring forum. But sadly its true, or at last true from my observations and experience.
I had a car written off by a woman trying to swing her Celica GT4 into the bay next to mine, only to hit the rear quarter of my car. Then reverse and try again, just to scrap all along the rear arch. She got out and walked away, I got out and called her back. She was not amused.
General lack of care is another (sexist) issue in a public car park. My Mondeo was dented to buggery, a number of times I witnessed woman simply opening their doors into it without a care in the world. One woman reversed out of her parking bay into me as I was stopped at the end of a row of bays waiting to leave the car park. It was the quiet side of the car park, so obviously there couldn't possibly be a car behind her...
I never liked the Mondeo though. There was nothing wrong with it, but it was the first car I had after my daughter was born and I had to sell my beloved 3 series Coupe. Get the dents removed? Not worth the trouble or money considering the rear seats were slowly being destroyed by small child.
Do doubt about it though, the best place to park in a public car park, is at the end of a row. Preferably, as mentioned earlier, the first bay after the curb/hedgerow and as close to that curb as you can without damaging your alloys. But even so, with such a wide gap between your car and the edge of the bay you are in, its still possible for someone to park next to you and dent your car :|
As for parking in disabled or parent spaces, you deserve the £60 fine and abuse from people who need those bays. Granted, there's countless parents out there who simply don't give a damn (about their car, other peoples cars, and yes even their own kids to a degree) but giving them the option to park in a bay with plenty of space around it (and not near your own car) certainly reduces the chance of them damaging your beloved vehicle.
There was an incident not long ago where the owner of a nice new Jag Xk parked in a Parent/Child bay near the store. In the next bay along, a mother was trying to herd her 3 unruly spawns into a Chelsea Tractor. She had gotten the first 2 in, but the 3rd was in a tantrum and pushing the pram against the nice red Xk.
Who is to blame for the damage caused to the lovely Jag? The parent for allowing her children to grow up in an undisciplined and inconsiderate manner? Or the owner of the Xk for his arrogance and belief that rules only apply to others?
And don't get me started on the 'School Run' parking problems! I live on a road adjacent to a primary school, and the number of inconsiderate and selfish parents is unfathomable. And the staff are just as bad. Theres enough space to get two average sized hatchbacks parked between drive ways, yet theres 3 woman who park in the middle. Every day the same 3 Mini Coopers are parked in pretty much the same places. And because they work at the school, they are there all day. Parents happily park over peoples drive ways and wait, for sometime upto an hour, for the school to finish for the day. The very thought of the residents parking near their homes is incomprehensible to these people. They develop a very blank look as though you have asked them how many bottles of vodka are required to land on the moon!
Edited by Ricwin on Monday 25th June 02:04
Twelve.
I park as close as possible to where I want to be. My mate (who has a Megane coupe but seems to think it's a nice car) always parks at the back but always takes up two spaces. This annoys me as it's a bit of a mick take when places get busier. I have another mate who looks out for cars parked like this and parks next to them really close just to annoy them. He drives a snotter. Maybe that's what's happening with you when you park far away?
GTIAlex said:
Bit hard if you have the displeasure of working at one 
There's a tidy BMW always parked in the same spot at my local Sainsbury. I can only assume he/she works there and gets in early, as it's invariably in the same space:
Single space between an enclosed trolley bay and a hedge - almost entirely idiot proof.
Rushmore said:
Some more thoughts:
- What if a BNP/Nazi Skinhead(1) family turns up in a, say, olive/camouflage G-Wagon and parks their car in a P&C bay at Waitrose?
- Phantom/Maybach owners have children, too. Should they be allowed to use the P&C bays?
- Speaking of Maybach....the Middle East families often have much more children that the white middle-class egoistic one-child parent (spending their money rather on new Apple products, "retro" stuff and uni fees). Shouldnt there be an order of precendence? 5 children trump 1.5?
- And a childless minority lesbian (CO2 and global warming expert with her own blog) with a clapped-out Ford? The "System" denies her the right to have children. She would, if she could. No children, but proper PC mind-set. What about her?
(1) yes, I know that the original skinheads listened to Reggae music and hung out with people from Jamaica and were left-wing/working class etc etc etc
Not thoughts. Brain farts.- What if a BNP/Nazi Skinhead(1) family turns up in a, say, olive/camouflage G-Wagon and parks their car in a P&C bay at Waitrose?
- Phantom/Maybach owners have children, too. Should they be allowed to use the P&C bays?
- Speaking of Maybach....the Middle East families often have much more children that the white middle-class egoistic one-child parent (spending their money rather on new Apple products, "retro" stuff and uni fees). Shouldnt there be an order of precendence? 5 children trump 1.5?
- And a childless minority lesbian (CO2 and global warming expert with her own blog) with a clapped-out Ford? The "System" denies her the right to have children. She would, if she could. No children, but proper PC mind-set. What about her?
(1) yes, I know that the original skinheads listened to Reggae music and hung out with people from Jamaica and were left-wing/working class etc etc etc
Edited by Rushmore on Monday 25th June 06:24
Our work has been expanding quite a lot and parking has become a bit of an issue as a result. The reseverd directors spaces are often empty while they are away on business. There's a new ruling which says that if there's a black cover on the reserved spots, you're allowed to park there as it means its free. I've blagged my first spot (the MD's space) today. I know I'm allowed to but I still feel a little naughty :-)
GoneAnon said:
Thin White Duke said:
An iteresting point about being temporarily disabled. Surely common sense prevails and no one would question you parking in a disabled spot on those grounds.
Flawless Victory said:
GoneAnon said:
I suspect Flawless Victory would disagree with that!
Would I?
Flawless Victory said:
Something trivial like a broken ankle or a broken leg, is not a disability.
Silly me. My “trivial” injury needed an immediate operation and a special arrangement to allow me to fly home.
Flawless Victory said:
As a spacker or as I prefer, a raspberry, a 'blue-badge worthy disability' is a condition which has existed for the previous 12 months and is expected to last at least another 12 months.
That is the rule but, like many rules, it doesn’t recognise the reality of the situation. Jamaica and Florida offer temporary parking permits when patients are discharged from hospital in a wheelchair or on crutches. Some Australian states do so too.Flawless Victory said:
So temporary blue-badges would mean footballers or other sportsmen and their like, with trivial injuries would qualify, opening up the scheme to further abuse.
You may not like footballers any more than me, but if they are disabled through their profession, permanently or temporarily, why shouldn’t they get the same parking concession as anyone else? Or you and your industrial injury?Flawless Victory said:
As it happens, I just received the new style blue-badge, after having to go for a medical and having to satisfy the local authority, (and not a doctor), that I was still a raspberry after my industrial accident in 2006.
Edited by GoneAnon on Monday 25th June 11:18
Mave said:
Well, if you're trying to get a baby out of a child seat, whilst holding onto a child at the same time, then being able to open the door properly makes it much more likely that the child won't be able to wriggle out of your hand and run off. (It also makes it far less likely that you'll inadvertently dent someone's car in the process!)
here's a stunning thought - don't take kids to the supermarket shopping. By the time they're old enough to have to try on clothes they don't need the P'n'C spaces anyway. You'll be doing yourself a favour in reduced stress, the kids a favour so they're not subject to the hell that is weekly food shopping and the rest of us a favour by not inflicting screaming kids on us all 
Ricwin said:
There was an incident not long ago where the owner of a nice new Jag Xk parked in a Parent/Child bay near the store. In the next bay along, a mother was trying to herd her 3 unruly spawns into a Chelsea Tractor. She had gotten the first 2 in, but the 3rd was in a tantrum and pushing the pram against the nice red Xk.
Who is to blame for the damage caused to the lovely Jag? The parent for allowing her children to grow up in an undisciplined and inconsiderate manner? Or the owner of the Xk for his arrogance and belief that rules only apply to others?
and why couldn't the XK owner have taken their child with them to the supermarket? the chav was in the wrong - period!Who is to blame for the damage caused to the lovely Jag? The parent for allowing her children to grow up in an undisciplined and inconsiderate manner? Or the owner of the Xk for his arrogance and belief that rules only apply to others?
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff