How To Park

Airport parking courtesy tips

Airport parking courtesy tips

Remembering your manners while parking at the airport can seriously reduce the stress involved and make for a more positive and relaxing experience.

•    Allow pedestrians to pass

No one likes to be watched while they’re attempting a tricky reverse or parallel park manoeuvre, so it’s always best to allow pedestrians to pass first. If they don’t seem to be taking the hint that you’re waiting for them to move, give them a quick wave on with your hand - this usually does the trick.

When you do begin to move again, watch out for small children who may be slower to get out of the way than their parents.

•    Mirror, signals, manoeuvre

No matter how slowly you’re travelling, or how quiet the car park seems, you always need to use your indicators to tell other road users which way you plan to turn.

Although you might think you’re on your own, there might be another driver in a vehicle behind you, or a pedestrian hidden behind a van or tree. Getting into the habit of signalling every time you turn not only protects you and other road users, it’s plain good manners.

•    Ensure good positioning

Regardless of how sloppily other drivers park their cars, it’s your duty to ensure that your car is properly parked within the markings of the parking bay. If you don’t get it right first - or even second time - don’t be afraid to pull out and straighten up.

Staying within the markings of your parking bay will not only leave adequate space for other drivers, it will also prevent you from banging your doors on other cars as you get in and out.

Just as important as parking neatly, is observing rules about disabled or parent and child parking spaces. Not only is it bad manners to hog a spot designed for a more vulnerable road user, you could also land yourself a hefty fine for your trouble too.

•    Make sure you know how to turn off your car alarm

It sounds like a fairly unnecessary consideration when you’re parking your car at the airport, but when your alarm is blaring and you’re helplessly rooting for the re-set switch, you’ll wish you’d made sure of the switch-off procedure first.

Car alarms which continually go off are a nuisance for other road users, pedestrians and residents so make sure you know how to silence yours. If you’re in a hire car, ask the rental company when you pick the car up or consult the handbook for advice before you set off.