Monday, December 12, 2016

Two comments on driving in England.

I was over in England a couple of weeks ago, and I know I've commented on this before, but two things:
First - Parking spaces. Why the hell are they still so small? It is 2016. Cars are not the same size they were in the 1950s. Every parking lot I parked in was the same: spaces barely wide enough for the cars and nowhere near wide enough to park and easily get doors open. I saw so many cars getting door dings from people struggling to get out. All they need to do is ditch a couple of spaces from each row and make the spaces diagonal and people could park AND get out of their cars.
And second: PAY AT THE PUMP!!!!!! Why the hell can I not pay for petrol at the pump? Petrol stations have spent tens of thousands installing cameras and number plate recognition systems to try to prevent people from driving away without paying. Just put payment devices on the pumps and be done with it. It's easier for drivers, it's easier for the petrol station, it solves the drive away problem and it means we don't have to stand in line inside waiting for indecisive people shopping for newspapers and sweets. The technology to do this has been around for 20 years. Come on!

2 comments:

Dave said...

Pay at pump is pretty wide-spread in England, I don't think I could even find a station round here without it. Obviously everywhere is different, but even on travels to somewhat rural locations, I've been able to pay at the pump.

Parking spaces on the other hand, complete and utter diabolical shambles the nation over. I agree with the sentiment that cars are different sizes now, however even in the past there's been some pretty very wide cars on the road, I have no idea who looks at a space, once painted, and thinks "That'll do", likely someone who doesn't drive... or own a car... or has ever seen a car.

Chris said...

I think the people that paint parking spaces are the same ones who advise homebuilders. A couple of friends of mine have "garages" that are so narrow they can't get a car in with the wing mirrors extended. ie. even when the car is parked, they can't actually get out.