Gransnet forums

AIBU

Rules are rules. Or are they?

(34 Posts)
mollie Tue 08-Dec-15 13:40:52

My local Waitrose has a sensible traffic flow system neatly signposted with the usual no entry, one way traffic and no left or right turn signs. It works really well imho. But there are always some drivers who do their own thing, can't bear to drive that little bit further so break all the rules to get to their preferred parking spot or exit. It drives (ha ha) me MAD!

Today I ended up headlight to headlight with some idiot who felt it was OK to cut through a 'no entry' and come the wrong way down the road. So far I have only resorted to glaring and swearing at the miscreant in the privacy of my car (windows always up) but it's only a matter of time... OK, I know it's a private car park and the rules aren't legally binding (I don't think) and so far I've yet to see an accident caused by these drivers. BUT, rules are rules. Aren't they? Or, is it ok to flout the rules if you can do so safely? Not just in Waitrose's car park but in life generally? Or is it me? Am I one of life's sheep...do I need to 'lighten up and get a life'? Should I learn to break a few rules maybe?

Marmight Wed 09-Dec-15 14:35:58

I have to confess that yesterday in a hospital car park, a fellow parkee told me that someone in the next row was just about to leave, so I shot round the wrong way, and got the space - they are like gold dust, so I didn't feel too guilty.....tchblush

Nelliemoser Wed 09-Dec-15 15:27:33

Marmight In a hospital car park yesterday I had to try two small car parks.
My morning appointment was changed to 2:15 pm visiting time. I had driven around twice then spotted someone getting into their car. I still had to wait quite a while two other people struggled to get out of their spaces. The bays were very narrow. One was an enormous van. I was very lucky and as I moved back and forward to get into my space the person in front left and I drove through letting someone in behind me.

It is a nightmare place. But if they wished I am sure they could buy another field behind the current site and make more parking. It is on the edge of countryside and not a place where many town based commuters would want to go.

Our local council car park next to ASDA has quite big bays. At very busy times I usually sit and wait in my car in one bay and stake my claim to the next space rather than drive around looking for vacancies.
I suspect that if you sit tight you will get one soon and can see who is about to move but if you drive around you might miss more chances .

thatbags Wed 09-Dec-15 16:54:56

My bugbear about car parks in the UK is the blasted right-angles! Acutely/obtusely angled car parking spaces are so much more sensible.

pettcott Wed 09-Dec-15 19:12:56

Super car parks are governed by the same rules as public roads ie the Highway code and road signs must be obeyed. Drivers who ignore such signs can be procecuted.

NotSpaghetti Thu 10-Dec-15 08:48:05

I'm afraid that like hundreds of others when they changed the "flow" as you entered our local Asda car park I went on using the more sensible "old" route. After a few months I see they have recently re-drawn the arrows back to how they used to be! Hooray!

On the other hand, I am INCENSED about the disabled bays at our Sainsbury's local ALWAYS being taken by selfish able-bodied people's cars whilst the driver just "pops in" for a moment. I'm not disabled but who knows, it could be me in the future, or a loved one, or frankly anyone. I think using disabled bays when not needing them is MEAN MEAN MEAN. We should be happy to park a few feet away in celebration of the fact that we still can! I have spoken to staff at the store and they say they can't do anything about it. I am reluctant to say anything directly to the drivers as when I did this once before I met with a tirade of abuse.
Sigh.

nipsmum Thu 10-Dec-15 12:06:53

Some people don't warrant raising your blood pressure. When we are all in a hurry its difficult to ignore rude people who are thoughtless or ignorant or just in a hurry too. Try and be a bit more laid back, its better for your health in the long run.

MamaCaz Thu 10-Dec-15 13:01:44

I have just as big a problem with people 'changing' the rules out of (what I think is) a misplaced sense of consideration.
By that, I mean people flashing you to join / leave / cross a road when they quite clearly have priority.
I'm not talking about when there's slow or queuing traffic, because that's a different matter, but of when there are normal road conditions. It's just an accident waiting to happen.
It happened to me again this morning as I was waiting in the designated lane to turn right off a main road. A driver approaching in the opposite direction flashed me to cross in front of her as she neared me. The danger is that the wrong person reacts to the flashed headlights, causing an accident. It's well meant but potentially dangerous!
There are far too many of these overly considerate drivers in our area!

Anya Thu 10-Dec-15 14:53:50

Also MamaCaz in some countries flashing your lights at someone means 'get out of the way I'm coming through' tchgrin

i do love that leering Christmas grin emoticon