smart cars

[bednobs]

ive had a smart car for about three years now and one of the perks is being able to park them sideways (ie so both back wheels touch the kerb). However i heard recently that parking like this is against the law. Does anyone know if this is true?

[TylerTots]

Hi, im sure that as long as you are parked fully within the marking in a space. there cant be a problem. as for parking along a curb? are you longer than the widest car or van? even the bigger yank tanks and 4x4 can park up. i cant see a prob.

[Playbill]

The obvious reason why this illegal is safety. It defeats the object of reflectors and number plates and so is dangerous at night.

[Cockney_si]

Not sure but If someone parks too close to it either side you won't be able to get the doors open !

[trevHCS]

I would be careful that you don't overhang the pavement otherwise you're effectively parked on it (like parking with wheels on it normally).

Would also have to agree it's dangerous and misleading for other road users as other road users can't see the edge of your car where they'd expect due to reflectors. That's why you're not allowed to park the wrong way round on a road for example, ie: headlights facing traffic.

Also why would you need to park sideways anyway? If you're doing that you're most likely taking up the space the other cars need to get out of said space. Motorbikes can do it, but they're a little smaller.

[bednobs]

because smart cars have no boot as such they go straight up from the back wheels therefore you don't overhang the pavement when parked sideways. i am crap at parallel parking but sometimes its easier to park side ways than try to manoeuver in