Caught on camera: You won't believe what this pedestrian does in the parking lot – prepare to be outraged!

As we all know, finding a parking spot can sometimes feel like a competitive sport, especially in busy areas. But what happens when the rules of the game are thrown out the window by a fellow player? A recent incident captured on a driver's dashcam has sparked a heated debate about car park etiquette and the lengths some people will go to secure a spot.


The scene unfolded in a Newcastle car park, where a driver was left flabbergasted by a pedestrian's audacious move. The dashcam footage, which has since gone viral, shows the driver approaching an empty parking space, only to find it 'reserved' by a woman standing firmly within its lines. Despite the driver's clear intention to park, the woman, dubbed a 'Karen' by the frustrated driver, refused to budge, gesturing to an unseen person off-camera – presumably her husband – who she was saving the spot for.


compressed-woman reserving.jpeg
A woman signalled a driver to not take the spot, as it was 'reserved' for another car. Image Credit: Facebook


This 'massive fail' of car park etiquette has infuriated Aussies nationwide. The video, which was shared on social media, shows the driver's disbelief as he's forced to abandon the space and continue his search for another spot. The woman's actions not only inconvenienced the driver but also sparked a conversation about the legality of such behavior.


In Australia, while there's no specific road rule that prohibits a pedestrian from standing in a parking space to reserve it, there are rules against obstructing the path of a vehicle. Under road rule 236 in the Australian Road Rules, which serves as a model for most state's road legislation, pedestrians must not cause a traffic hazard or unreasonably obstruct any driver. While enforcement can be challenging in private car parks, public areas are subject to state and territory parking legislation, where fines can be issued. In New South Wales, for example, the fine for such an obstruction is $78.


The online community has erupted over this incident, with many expressing their outrage at the pedestrian's inconsiderate behavior. Some suggested the driver should have continued to move into the space, assuming the pedestrian would move away, while others shared stories of similar experiences, highlighting that this isn't an isolated event.

It's a reminder that while we all want to find that perfect parking spot, there's a code of conduct that should be followed to ensure fairness and safety for everyone. The incident also raises questions about how we, as a society, deal with the increasing competition for space in our urban areas.
Key Takeaways

  • A driver captured footage of a woman seemingly reserving a car park space by standing in it, preventing him from parking.
  • The incident occurred in a Jesmond car park in Newcastle, New South Wales, and sparked frustration on social media.
  • Under Australian Road Rules, pedestrians can attract fines for obstructing the path of vehicles or causing a traffic hazard by their actions.
  • The public reacted strongly against the perceived breach of car park etiquette, suggesting the driver should not have conceded the space to the pedestrian.
Members, we'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you ever encountered a situation like this? What would you do if you were the driver? And how do you think we can promote better etiquette in public spaces? Share your stories and suggestions in the comments below – let's get a conversation started about the unwritten rules of parking lot civility.
 
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As much as I agree with the frustrated driver, I also understand the lady’s actions. Sometimes going round and round only to have a spot open just as you drive past but can’t actually back up as the person behind you has already taken up the advantage. That said, it is nothing new. I remember this to be quite common when shopping with my mum in the 1970’s. Also, she is not “actually” obstructing any traffic by standing there, as she is not in the main carriageway.
 
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In Australia, while there's no specific road rule that prohibits a pedestrian from standing in a parking space to reserve it, there are rules against obstructing the path of a vehicle. Under road rule 236 in the Australian Road Rules, which serves as a model for most state's road legislation, pedestrians must not cause a traffic hazard or unreasonably obstruct any driver. While enforcement can be challenging in private car parks, public areas are subject to state and territory parking legislation, where fines can be issued. In New South Wales, for example, the fine for such an obstruction is $78.

This paragraph is the crux of the whole matter. A private car park cannot be governed by rules or regulations of a State or local government authotity because it is private! Car parks attached to licenced premises, smaller shopping centres, parking stations, standalone businesses and fast food outlets are generally deemed as privately owned. In addition, such car parks are not public roads. The car parking spot in question gives every indication of being a private car park.

In reality, car park etiquette is an unfounded "rule" that has no legal impact at all. So our little "Karen" is not breaking any law, regulation or rule whatsoever, if the car park is on privately controlled land, except in the minds of those who do not know the way the law operates.
 
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What is commonly known as a "mascot for the bonnet". I would say if you get close enough I would say that they will get the hint and move the vehicle is a lot bigger than someone standing in a car park space
 
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