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Think about where you park
SOME motorists appear to be becoming increasingly adept at squeezing their vehicles into any available space that they can see. The desire to park for free often seems to deprive drivers of any sense of responsibility.
Parking can be very frustrating and difficult especially in streets that were built before the arrival of cars. Recently there has been a campaign in the Trafalgar area of Horsham to highlight the need to allow sufficient access space for emergency vehicles. Local people have been urged to think about how and where they park so that life-threatening delays can be avoided.
Response to the message has been very positive, yet even on Monday I did see some poor parking in one of the town's modern streets where houses do have driveways. Emergency services would not have gained easy access.
Drivers really do need to stop and think about where they choose to park because once parked their vehicle could be at risk of becoming anything from a mild inconvenience to a serious hazard. Good drivers don't need reminders but others become so entangled with daily living that they do.
Parking too close to a road junction is an offence but some people still do it. This can restrict the view for other road users which could endanger pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists. This is something to remember because there are pedestrians of all ages, shapes and sizes, cyclists, motorcyclists and others who depend on being able to see what's coming. No one wants their vehicle to be the cause of an accident.
Some drivers seem to park in front of other people's driveways and opposite entrances without thinking about how those living in their own homes can get in or out.
Picking-up and dropping-off at schools often looks like a battlefield with parents nipping in and out of spaces at an alarming rate but worst of all there are those who simple ignore the road markings and park in the exclusion zones
Cars left on busy main roads can often cause congestion when traffic is at its heaviest. Whilst your vehicle may encounter near misses one day it could end up as an accident for someone else.
When you park just give some thought to those around you.
Try to make sure that there is sufficient room if emergency vehicles need access.
Please think sensibly when parking your vehicle because it can still be a lethal weapon even when no one is in it. Just a little bit of thought could make such a difference to good neighbourliness for everyone and best of all in the event of an emergency ease of access could save time and save lives.
A special thank you goes to everyone who has been involved in this campaign to raise awareness about access for the emergency services.
CHRISTINE COSTIN
(LDem) Horsham district councillor for Trafalgar ward
Park House
North Street, Horsham
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Weather for Horsham
Thursday 24 May 2012
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