38 | DECEMBER 2019
Motoring
Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk
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 re-
leased 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 chal-
lenge to park vans consid-
erately 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 park-
ing difficulty.
So driving specialists have
revealed some things to
bear in mind, which could
also help fellow UK road
users avoid any unneces-
sary 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 impor-
tant 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: if the location determines
your van is parked on-street
rather than in a designated
bay.
1. Park as far away
from junctions
as possible If circumstances mean
you’ve got no choice but to
park partially on a pave-
ment, try to leave as much
room as possible, especial-
ly for prams, wheelchairs,
the elderly and children –
rather than forcing pedes-
trians to cross over.
It’s always best to seek
an available, larger park-
ing space nearby before
putting your van on a
pavement though, to avoid
annoying locals.
Parking your van right on
a road corner or opposite a
junction can cause prob-
lems 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,
2. Try to stay off
the pavement
3. Be sensitive
to homeowners
light and view 5. Think twice about
getting in the way
at car parks
Well-mannered van driv-
ers 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. At supermarkets , mul-
ti-storey car parks and out
of town retail locations,
van drivers shouldn’t
park straddling two bays,
horizontally across multi-
ple spaces or attempt to
squeeze in to a tight spot
right on top of the store.
Instead, find a space
that’s specifically de-
signed for larger vehi-
cles 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 fin-
ished shopping.
be extra-
‘ vigilant
’
This can be problem-
atic 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, wherev-
er 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, con-
sider 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 emer-
gency services.
6. Be considerate
of neighbours if
you’re on the job
Tradespeople conduct-
ing domestic or local
work should utilise prop-
erties’ 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’ drive-
ways, when parking your
van. If building materials
make any mess on the
pavement or surroundings
as you’re loading or un-
loading, make sure to clear
it up.