Okay…this will be short…
Not sure if I have mentioned this before, but I’ve been advised to shorten my letters and try to stick to one theme at a time. I don’t want to confuse you (or myself for that matter!!).
So let me get right to the point:
I’m sure you are aware that almost every parking lot has designated spaces for those who have various mobility issues. These are marked with a symbolic wheelchair and for the most part the system works. And the locations usually are close to the places of business so the individuals can actually get their errands completed and on their way again. Good thinking, good planning, good execution…
Well it is time that we add another set of designated parking spots. These would be for the proliferation of pickup trucks. These creations, rather unique to North America have grown to rather substantive sizes. A few years ago I had a mid-size pickup, a Chevy Colorado which did just fine for all the tasks that required more than an SUV while I lived in the Maritimes. But even this truck has started to grow, but I digress. I want you to help me start a campaign to mark at least half-a-dozen spots in small lots and more than double that in large parking areas for these behemoths. And have them park at the far end of the lot, because if you can climb up into one, you can easily walk a few extra steps.
Why? Because at the moment, if any of these vehicles pull in beside a conventional car or even an SUV it becomes almost impossible to get out of your car. And when you go to pull out of your spot, you can’t see what is coming no matter whether it is a pedestrian or another vehicle. Finally I am finding that many of these trucks seem difficult to park at all in that they often cut across the marked lines and effectively take up two spots.
So,
- make them park at the far end of the lot in designated spots (marked with a cartoon-like pick-up truck),
- let each driver learn to park so his beauty isn’t scratched by another behemoth, and
- perhaps with her higher seating she can easily see around the truck beside her.
Here’s to a more equitable approach to parking in North America…
Enjoy your autumn…
g.w.