Clearview National January 2020 - Issue 218 | Page 87
INSTALLERSUPPORT
Six Pieces of Van Parking Etiquette
Van drivers have been urged to steer clear of parking too close to junctions and
directly in front of property windows, to aid road safety and avoid annoying neighbours.
» MOTORING EXPERTS FROM
LeaseVan.co.uk have released six pieces of
advice to help inexperienced van drivers park
their vehicles without annoying local residents
and the general public.
It can often be a challenge to park vans
considerately as a novice because they are
generally longer, wider, taller and heavier than
cars.
A typical commercial vehicle usually lacks
back windows and a rear view mirror too,
increasing parking difficulty.
So driving specialists have revealed some
things to bear in mind, which could also help
fellow UK road users avoid any unnecessary
accidents.
Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk said: “Our
customers often request driving advice when
leasing their first van.
“Because of the size and awkwardness of vans
compared to cars, one of the most frequently
asked questions is how should I park it?
“Our advice is to be extra-vigilant, given the
reduced visibility and increased size compared
to cars.
“One of the most important things, too, is to
be as considerate as possible – try your best
not to annoy or obstruct other road users.”
Here is the LeaseVan.co.uk guide to van
parking etiquette:
1. PARK AS FAR AWAY FROM
JUNCTIONS AS POSSIBLE
Parking your van right on a road corner or
opposite a junction can cause problems and
potential danger for fellow road users.
It could significantly obstruct visibility,
blocking drivers view of oncoming traffic
when attempting to turn, and even reduce
the available space for others vehicles to
manoeuvre in, if the location determines
your van is parked on-street rather than in a
designated bay.
2. TRY TO STAY OFF THE PAVEMENT
If circumstances mean you’ve got no choice
but to park partially on a pavement, try to
leave as much room as possible, especially for
prams, wheelchairs, the elderly and children –
rather than forcing pedestrians to cross over.
It’s always best to seek an available, larger
parking space nearby before putting your van on
a pavement though, to avoid annoying locals.
3. BE SENSITIVE TO HOMEOWNERS
LIGHT AND VIEW
Well-mannered van drivers won’t park
their bulky vehicles directly in front of a
property’s windows, particularly if they’re going
to be parked in that same spot for a large
proportion of the day.
This can be problematic as it can stop
natural light getting in to a home and block
the residents views of the outside world, be it
some great British scenery or even curtain-
twitching and people-watching.
4. ANTICIPATE AND AVOID
NARROWING ROADS
Drivers should, wherever possible, steer
clear of parking vans on stretches of road
where doing so would make it avoidably tight
or impossible for other vehicles to pass in
both directions at the same time.
If your load is light, consider leaving your
vehicle further away. If you can’t, try to plan for
a quiet time of day, and be quick.
Van owners also must try to find a more
appropriate, alternative space further down
the street or around the corner, if parking in
their initial location might obstruct access for
emergency services.
5. THINK TWICE ABOUT GETTING
IN THE WAY AT CAR PARKS
At supermarkets , multi-storey car parks
and out of town retail locations, van drivers
shouldn’t park straddling two bays, horizontally
across multiple spaces or attempt to squeeze
in to a tight spot right on top of the store.
Instead, find a space that’s specifically
designed for larger vehicles or in a quieter area
further away from the shop or facility’s front
doors. If you need to load bulky or heavy items,
you can always pull your van around to the
entrance briefly, after you’ve finished shopping.
6. BE CONSIDERATE OF
NEIGHBOURS IF YOU’RE ON THE JOB
Tradespeople conducting domestic or local
work should utilise properties’ driveways or
park as close as possible to the house their
working on, rather than unnecessarily taking
any neighbours’ usual, coveted on street
parking spots in busy areas.
Just as when driving a car, it’s important to
make sure you aren’t blocking any required
access, such as to neighbours’ driveways, when
parking your van. If building materials make any
mess on the pavement or surroundings as you’re
loading or unloading, make sure to clear it up.
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