You are in plenty of time as you cruise into Dublin city centre for the big meeting. You just have to find a parking space, then stroll to the office. Quick lap of the Green - no spaces, and the car-park is full. Not to worry, you can try Molesworth Street and Setanta. All jammed.
Oh well, back up Kildare Street, along Merrion Row, quick check on Ely Place, and down to Merrion Square - there is always space there. Except today. Fitzwilliam Square? Nada. Leeson Street? Niente. Back to the Green? Rien.
You are now late, seized by panic, sweating, breathing in a shallow manner, the bile of loathing for all other drivers rising in your throat. Still no spaces. Aaaaaarrrrgggh.
If only you had scheduled your top meeting for Paris instead of Dublin. At the Rond-Point des Champs Elysees, as well as 30 other busy spots around the French capital, you will see a few guys with peaked hats. These are the Relais Parking team, and they are your friends.
They know where all the spaces are, and they have special access to private car parks. You just pull over to the kerb and give them the keys. They give you a docket and you go about your business. Later, you will wait between three and eight minutes - often at the bar of a charming nearby cafe - while they retrieve your car.
Relais Parking works out at around 60 francs (#9) for three hours and can be seen in Paris and at www.relaisparking.com.
Become a Gizmo source: smaccarthaigh@irish-times.ie
