[url= http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069860 ]Highway code 239[/url] how come it's a "do not" but doesn't qualify for a "[b]must not[/b]"? TBH one of the rules that I'd forgotten/didn't know.
It's so your reflectors are visible, I believe.
yeah I can think of a few reasons for it, was just wondering how well known and adhered to it was. "not much" and "not much" would be my cynical guess but thought I'd ask.
I don't and it drives me mad when people do.
Not as bad as people that stop/drop off facing traffic (on busy roads) at night with their lights on. Its dazzling.
I'm always doing it (stretch of free parking on the way into Shrewsbury by the river), it's a pain to go all the way around to face the right way (two sets of traffic lights to negotiate), which invariably means you loose the space if you do, which means another messy turn around.
Bit of an arse pulling out into the oncoming traffic sometimes though.
I'm aware of the rule and would attempt to follow it by default, but happily ignore it if it suits me 😀
So pretty much like the rest of the Highway Code then.
There is a 30 mph road with no street light on the way to llandegla,at Coedporth, a few years ago every car got a parking ticket for parking with no light during the hours of darkness.
Don't think it applies to designated spaces.
Hmm! Maybe it's my poor memory but it never used to the case, if parked up facing on coming traffic you had to have your lights off but don't remember it being the case of not at all.
I wonder if I still have my old Highway Code.
Apparently its illegal to use a phone whilst driving but doesn't seem to apply to 1000's of people
was just wondering how well known and adhered to it was.
Well, I knew it, because I've read THC. There shouldn't be any "lesser known rules" if you're getting behind a wheel. </sanctimonious>
Adhered to is another matter. In situations where it's likely to be an issue I'd always park facing the right way, but that's common sense as much as it is a 'rule'. Parked on a wide road in the middle of a long line of traffic (eg, outside my house) I probably wouldn't go out of my way too far to do it as there's little need.
Indeed, there's an argument for [i]not [/i]doing it where I live, as teenagers in over-powered cars tend to straight-line a traffic island on the wrong side of the road; it's probably safer to have my arse pointing towards them rather than 'correctly' away.
I got a bit vexed last night when an oncoming driver who was in congested stop/start traffic pulled up right next to me blocking me from getting to the righthandside to park up, I'd assumed they were either blind or just being a nob, not letting me through. Befor I had a rantette about it I thought I'd check THC, turns out the driver may just have thoughtfully been preventing me doing something naughty anyway (but I'd still bet it was one of the former)
quite 😳There shouldn't be any "lesser known rules" if you're getting behind a wheel
It's so your reflectors are visible, I believe.
And so you can see round the van parked in front when you're pulling out again.
That said I park the wrong way all the time, the parking on my road is downhill side only and I need to go up the hill in the morning...
LGTFU...
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It's difficult to pull away safely again if you're parked facing traffic.
What a funny lirttle country this is.
And there is also a rule against parking on pavements but that never seems to bother people. Sometimes they do get their cars scratched by people trying to fit their double buggies by though*
*This was an accident but thoroughly deserved - on trying to squeeze by, the front of the buggy caught on a low branch adjacent to the offending car and as I pushed at it and it gave way, it kinda 'sprung' the buggy into the side of the car.
Ahh well.
It's difficult to pull away safely again if you're parked facing traffic.
If that were the main reason, it'd only apply to RHD vehicles.
I believe in the States it's actually illegal to park against the flow (certainly some states not sure about all).
Actually come to think about it. Technically I break this rule and park against the flow off traffic every day when I park outside the house. I live in a cul-de-sac (or "pretentious dead end"), so I usually turn the car at the bottom before parking so I can set off in the right direction.
And there is also a rule against parking on pavements but that never seems to bother people.
Ahem...
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😳
Parking on the pavement appears to be legal these days too. I love seeing people trash their expensive alloys, bending rims, and jepordising the sidewall in their tyres.
These people usually dump ashtrays and cigarettes and other crap out the window. The wide demographic of selfish, don't give a hoot, someone will pick it up behaviour is astonishing. I assume the gel wrapper, inner tube, banana dumping cyclists are part of the same club.
If that were the main reason, it'd only apply to RHD vehicles.
The Highway Code would be pretty bloody complex (more so) if we started writing separate rules for LHD cars - as the standard and the vast majority are RHD it makes sense to write based on that.
I was always told that was why it was the case, and it makes sense to me - avoids crossing oncoming traffic when you park as well - pedestrian looks to their right, no cars, steps out, gets nailed by car coming from the left hooning towards a space.
I don't and it drives me mad when people do.
Snap.That and stopping temporarily at the side of the road with your headlights on still. Inconsiderate arses.
GrahamS - love the spelling error on that last line.
I assume
Assume away...
I would be quite happy parking anywhere I want. Now think about this bit, it's not a problem until someone makes it a problem. This is the important bit.... Tell me about it and I will move my car, until someone tells me- THERE IS NO PROBLEM SO BUTT OUT!! It's quite amusing how a different culture can view the same [i]problem[/i]. I do suggest that people who get wound up about things like this very seriously do not travel abroad, it'll be the death of you. Simples.
graham i hope you dropped that note on the floor at the side of your car...that will teach em
I always do but living on a one way street helps reinforce that rule..You do occasionally see cars parked the worn way though
The Highway Code would be pretty bloody complex (more so) if we started writing separate rules for LHD cars - as the standard and the vast majority are RHD it makes sense to write based on that.
Well, yes, but if you're going to write a rule [i]specifically [/i]because a vehicle is RHD, it'd be sensible to word it more appropriately to include both vehicles.
But they don't, because that's not what it's about. It says "do not park facing against the traffic flow" - you could park on the right on a one-way street, obey the rule and be obstructing your vision. You're advised to park facing traffic so that your reflectors can be seen and so that you're pulling out into traffic rather than against / across it when you're setting off.
I would be quite happy parking anywhere I want. Now think about this bit, it's not a problem until someone makes it a problem.
It IS a problem, you just haven't realised why yet. Rules, generally, exist to prevent things happening that have been known to be a problem in the past. Such as muppets parking wrong way round on fast country roads posing a danger to oncoming traffic, or people parking on pavements and blocking wheelchair passage, or being an issue for the blind. Stuff that people who feel they should be able to park anywhere they want generally haven't considered or think inconveniencing others is OK so they don't have to be.
I do suggest that people who get wound up about things like this very seriously do not travel abroad, it'll be the death of you.
When you go to some more fun, less strict countries you go knowing people are going to be more dangerous and "inconsiderate" in that sense, and so expect it. Where the rules exist they should be followed, or there's an unknown ground which causes danger. FWIW Most other countries I've visited were stricter than we are.
It IS a problem, you just haven't realised why yet.
you didn't get to the cultural bit before answering, did you?
you didn't get to the cultural bit before answering, did you?
Yes. It has nowt to do with culture.
It IS a problem, you just haven't realised why yet. Rules, generally, exist to prevent things happening that have been known to be a problem in the past.
And if you're contravening THC, accidentally or intentionally, then that's your "being made aware of" right there. It shouldn't need some Neighbourhood Watch biddy going "excuse me son, would you mind not parking on the footpath, Mrs Smith at #42 can't get her wheelchair past?" It's illegal in London and you "should not" do it in the rest of the country.
What other countries do is irrelevant.
Yes. It has nowt to do with culture.
Of course you're right and all the double or triple parking I have done was not acceptable to anyone, because why?
Because them's the rules.
Because them's the rules.
😆
As I said, it's a funny lirttle country.
if we had no rules where would we be?France!
And if we had too many rules where would we be?
Germany!
</Al Murray>
Of course you're right and all the double or triple parking I have done was not acceptable to anyone, because why?
Depends on the situation, but generally because it causes dangers like blocking roads from emergency vehicles, and inconveniences other people.
Being an arse but not being called up about it doesn't make you not an arse, it just means everyone else thinks it behind your back.
Being an arse but not being called up about it doesn't make you not an arse, it just means everyone else thinks it behind your back.
Except when it's a normal and accepted part of everyday driving and done by the police when they're stopping for a coffee and calling someone an arse behind their back would be hipocritical. It's a cultural thing. 😀
Had an 'experience' just before christmas.
I was driving along what I was sure was a straight road. A car was coming towards me in the distance. As it got closer, it appeared to veer onto my side of the road. I assumed there was a kink in the road and was just about to go to the left of it, when I realised the dozy idiot had driven to my side of the road and parked in a layby on my side facing me and due to his lights I couldnt see the road properly.
Scared the hell out of me as I nearly drove straight off the road and into the trees.
It's not a cultural thing, it's still dangerous, it's just expected that they're dangerous! Doesn't make it right.Except when it's a normal and accepted part of everyday driving and done by the police when they're stopping for a coffee and calling someone an arse behind their back would be hipocritical. It's a cultural thing.
Doesn't make it right.
Only for the funny little British man. 😀
I'm actually finding it very difficult to understand how the Spanish (Latino) way of doing things versus the English (Anglo Saxon) way of doing things can be anything but culturally different. But hey...
I'm actually finding it very difficult to understand how the Spanish (Latino) way of doing things versus the English (Anglo Saxon) way of doing things can be anything but culturally different. But hey...
Elfinsafety gone mayd, innit.
Oh it's all got a bit snappy.
As I said I can see lots of reasons why it's a rule but how come it's a "do not"?
THC seems to be all [b]Should /not[/b] and [b]must /not[/b] with apparently must being a proper rule that you can get done for and should being an open invite for anyone who decides "actually I don't want to follow that one just now" (pretty sure I've seen "it's only a should not so I'm fine" on here in the past)
You're supposed to follow all the rules, but anything that says [b]MUST [/b]is backed up by law.
Elfinsafety gone mayd, innit.
It most certainly is, but fortunately we have a brigade of full on wannabe traffic cops and busy bodies to protect us. I sleep safely at night knowing that next door are watching my every move just waiting for me to break the law.
😀
or? I think inflammatory point Don is making that "follow this or some random strangers will get upset on the internet" isn't much of an incentive following the rules is a PITA.You're supposed to follow all the rules,
I'm generally a stickler for rules BTW, I like clearly defined lines* just wondering if anything happens apart from once in a blue moon a copper actually seeing a transgression and giving you a quiet word but not much else.
Don generally you follow rules so everyone doesn't think you are acting like a dick, if you don't care what people think then looks like there isn't much stopping you.
EDIT there are some fairly important safety aspects too of course not just elfin.
*that I can skirt right along the very edge of 🙂
Don generally you follow rules so everyone doesn't think you are acting like a dick, if you don't care what people think then looks like there isn't much stopping you.
What I'm saying is that following rules is a very British thing. Trust me when I say that following the rules if and when you visit a foreign land will cause you grief.
If the parking bays are marked with white lines perpedicular to the pavement, yet everyone parks at 45º and there is a bay available at 45º, will you complain and wait until you can park according to the rules? Now who's the dick?
The British way of sticking to rules is really quite funny.
The British way of sticking to rules is really quite funny.
To you.
The rest of us love our ethnocentric indignation-fuelled vigilante moans, thankyouverymuch.
If the parking bays are marked with white lines perpedicular to the pavement, yet everyone parks at 45º and there is a bay available at 45º, will you complain and wait until you can park according to the rules? Now who's the dick?
I did exactly that in Australia and every car got a parking ticket. 😕
Culturally speaking.....
The western world generally lives by a set of 'DO NOT'S' that keep the mindless minority in check.
The rest of us just wanna get on with our own stuff with minimal hassle ne c'est pas?
I once got hollered at in Canmore AB for parking on the wrong side of the road.... they dont like it over there... no sireee. Eh.
I did exactly that in Australia and every car got a parking ticket.
It's not very Spanish, is it? As they say. 😀
Me hizo exactemente eso en Australia y cada coche se quedo consuiguio una molta aparcamiento. Entre en una oracion o frase...
Any better?
Muy bien. 😆
OH got a parking ticket by the police a few years ago for parking against the flow of traffic.
"follow this or some random strangers will get upset on the internet" isn't much of an incentive
Well, no, being considerate to others should be though?
What I'm saying is that following rules is a very British thing. Trust me when I say that following the rules if and when you visit a foreign land will cause you grief.
No arguments here. But, see my earlier All Murray quote; we might moan about it, but quietly we like it and wouldn't have it any other way.
OH got a parking ticket by the police a few years ago for parking against the flow of traffic.
I'd love to know how they enforced that.
Don The problem with picking and choosing which rules you follow gets u in trouble when someone else nearby chooses to ignore diAmetrically opposing rules.
I can break the limit down here its a 1 way street
vs
One way? Pfff no senor.
(Sorry dunno how to do squigly things on my phone)
I can break the limit down here its a 1 way street
vs
One way? Pfff no señor.
Which one of these is supposed to be wrong or are they both right? More importantly you want people to change the way they think and if you think you can go down a one way street in Madrid and you won't meet something coming the other way, that's when you'll have problems.
There used to be guidelones for driving in Madrid, specifically aimed at Brits and connected with traffic lights that went something like this. Do not stop at traffic light when on amber and going to red, the three cars behind you will be accelerating in expectation that you will jump the red too. Do you want to be responsible for causing an accident?
If you do go through a one way street and nothing happens, where's the problem?
If something travels the wrong way up the one way street and nothing happens, where's the problem?
I understand where you're coming from and I understand the Spanish way too and if you want to go over and tell them how to drive, I wish you good luck. They bthink differently and will happily waste their time trying to tell you're wrong too. It'is neither right or wrong, it's simply different.
How would you deal with, what I believe are/were, the laws of our Arab friends. As a Brit driver in a car accident, you will always be to blame for the simple reason that if you weren't in the country, the accident wouldn't have happened. How can you rationalise that into the Brit mentality?
You have to accept that people think differently.
You have to accept that people think differently.
Yep. There are "[i]people that think like me[/i]" and "[i]people that are wrong[/i]". 😉
shh graham you are not meant to mention the big hitters mantra in public
So it doesn't matter what you do if you don't get caught? And is that seriously the rules, in highway code espanol? Red=stop green=go red/amber=go very quickly? That Al murray quote is sounding better and better
Well done Don I'm not very patriotic normally but you've convinced me it's bloody awesome being british living in britain coz quite frankly the rest of the world sounds like ocularly rotational loons*.
* yes yes someone did recently tell me it's very difficult to impartially study other socities without feeling superior but the rest of the world still sound like nutters.
rule britania, britania rules....
if you get caught, you get caught. but if you don't get caught, what?
i'm sorry you can't see things from a different point of view. perhaps it's better you don't go abroad, eh?