Sir, – I wish to highlight a parking practice here in Ireland that is extremely annoying, not to mention dangerous and an inconvenience to other drivers. This is parking in the opposite direction to that of the traffic. In some European countries this practice is illegal, but here it is only recommended by the Road Safety Authority that drivers “Do park facing in the same direction as the traffic”.
The only other mention of this in the Rules of the Road is that this should be done "if possible". The drivers attempting this manoeuvre must cross into the lane of oncoming traffic, reverse against the flow, hold up anyone approaching, and make a nuisance of themselves. When leaving their spot, they repeat the process in reverse order, and to add insult to injury, frequently add a U-turn into the mix. This is especially dangerous at night when the headlights blind other drivers who are on their own side of the road.
How can this be condoned? This is something that could be enforced relatively easily, as it is blatantly clear to any traffic warden or Garda which cars are parked facing the wrong direction, and an on-the-spot fine could be issued as simply as a parking ticket for any other parking offence.
But surely common courtesy should make this a matter of respect and consideration for others. – Yours, etc,
SUSAN HARLOW,
Malahide,
Co Dublin.