Why don't British car parks use the 'herringbone' parking system?

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Why don't British car parks use the 'herringbone' parking system?

My local supermarket has a large, clearly laid out car park where some drivers circulate clockwise and some anti-clockwise. Quite a long time ago I rented a car while on holiday in the USA and was surprised to find a car park laid out with the "slots" placed diagonally. On reflection this was a very good system as you could only drive in one direction around the car park and a vacant space was immediately obvious. I can only recall one similar car park in the UK. How about starting a campaign for all new car parks to be "diagonal" and refurbishments made to the same standard?

Asked on 9 February 2013 by RW, Newport, Shropshire

Answered by Honest John

I have recommended herringbone parking many times. It actually allows narrower aisles, so does not take up more space. But, of course, these systems are strictly one-way. With one-way parking, it's always nose first.

Tags: car parking

Similar questions

I'm the registered keeper of a car which has received a parking ticket but I wasn't the driver. How can I dispute this?

I am the registered keeper of a car that was given a private parking ticket. I was not driving the vehicle at the time and I supplied the driver’s name and address as requested. The parking enforcer has...

I was fined at an airport drop off - should I appeal?

I have recently dropped a friend off at Newcastle International Airport & used their Short Stay Car Park 2 which gives the first 15 minutes free. On attempting to leave well within the 15 minute period...

Ticket machine not working in car park - am I entitled to a cash refund?

The ticket machine wasn't working at my local car park and when I phoned the car park operator's helpline I could barely understand the instructions. I got frustrated and gave up and emailed them, outlining...