Parallel parking a no-go for majority of Irish motorists

FINDING a parking space can be a headache. But like it or loathe it, Irish motorists get plenty of practice on a daily basis.

Motoring solutions specialist easytrip conducted research on drivers’ parking behaviour and preferences and found that 74 per cent of Irish drivers preferred reversing or driving forward into a perpendicular parking space over parallel parking.

A total of 45 per cent of those surveyed admitting to driving past an available parking space to avoid parallel parking.

Interestingly, 50 per cent of those who prefer parallel parking drive a large hatchback or saloon sized vehicle. The survey, however, found that in general Irish drivers are quietly confident in their driving abilities with 86 per cent of those surveyed stating to be

‘very good’ or

‘good’ at parking.

When asked about their preferred parking location, almost half of those surveyed said they would prefer to take an on-street parking space with multi-storey car parks following closely behind at 41 per cent.

A low 15 per cent preferred on-street ground level car parks while only four per cent chose underground car parks.

“As our survey reveals, something as simple as parking, an activity that we all do every day, can be problematic for a high number of drivers,

? said Ciara O’Brien, head of operations, easytrip.

“At easytrip, our mission is to make life easier for motorists and we would advise where possible to use a car park premises where you and your vehicle are guaranteed to be safe and secure.

No matter where you park always remember to be mindful of others when selecting a parking space and when making a parking manoeuvre, be it perpendicular or parallel.

?