Last update ~ 6th April 2012 ~ CS

Registered Charity No. 1015977

Blackpool & Fylde Advanced Motorists Group

Bafam  IAM Group No 5200

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One manoeuvre that many drivers find difficult is parking in a restricted space. Yet, when done properly, it is a relatively simple procedure and you need a parking space about one and a half times the length of your car, although with practice, you can make do with slightly less and the following is an example of how you would be successful at this manoeuvre .....


1. On approach, check all round observations and if anyone will benefit from one, indicate left to tell them you are stopping

2. Pull up to a stop about an arms length away from and parallel to Car A with your rear bumper in line with Car A’s rear bumper and get your car into reverse gear asap to get the reversing lights lit to inform anyone approaching behind that you are parking up.

3. Check all round observations to ensure that there are no pedestrians, vehicles or cyclists in the way to be inconvenienced

4. With a final look over your appropriate shoulder, reverse slowly, turning the steering wheel briskly full lock towards the kerb and whilst you are doing nothing, have a good all round observation check.

5. Aim your offside ( right ) rear corner at the nearside ( left ) front corner of Car B then ...

6. When your rear offside corner is pointing directly at the nearside corner of Car B, get your wheels straight again and keep reversing now in a straight line at about 45 degrees across the road until your front nearside corner is just about clearing the rear offside corner of Car A keeping those all round observations going frequently to ensure you are still safe to continue.        

7. As soon as the front of your car is safely clear of Car A, turn the steering wheel briskly full lock to the right again with full observations

8. Continue reversing slowly until you feel you are an acceptable distance away from the kerb and parallel to it

9. Get your wheels straight again briskly and if necessary, pop the car into first gear and move forward until you are parked in the middle of the gap between the two cars A & B but leaving them enough space to move off from.


Manoeuvring in a confined space usually requires brisk movements of the steering wheel and the standard pull-push technique provides such an effective steering technique when reversing but you might prefer another steering technique like crossing your hands to allow you better control.


Avoid the temptation to turn the wheel whilst the vehicle is stationary - this damages the tyres and puts excessive strain on steering linkages, especially those with PAS. Only turn the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving, albeit moving very slowly.


You may unbuckle your seat belt whilst reversing, but remember to fasten it again before moving off.



      

Driving Matters ~ Parking