By Michel Outridge
CHRISTMAS is fast approaching so driving and parking in the city is a nightmare where some inconsiderate drivers are not heeding the parallel parking requirements.

Most drivers park anywhere and at any time much to the inconvenience of other road users and some even park diagonally at will, with blatant disregard for signs.
Even though there are a few paid parking lots in the city these are not being utilised because of a lawless road culture that some have adopted.
Traffic Chief Dion Moore told this newspaper that so far they have charged 195 drivers for diagonal parking in the city alone and the campaign is active.
He advised that drivers make use of the paid parking lots in ‘A’ Division since at this time of the year there is an additional influx of vehicles in the city for the festive shopping season and they have to compete with other road users, including pedestrians, motorcyclists, pedal cyclists etc.
The Senior Superintendent added that they have employed the use of clamps and crash trucks and once vehicles are diagonally parked they will be towed away or clamped.
He also encouraged drivers and others to park correctly and walk to their destinations especially in the downtown shopping areas during this season.
Moore said that persons coming to the city to shop with relatives can car pool and use one vehicle instead of four. He reminded drivers to be considerate at all times and to exercise care and caution not only in parking but in the general use of the roads. “Look out for children and the elderly as well,” he cautioned.
Moore also advised that those walking should use the pedestrian crossings
The Traffic Chief noted that the attitude of drivers must change or else the lawlessness on the roads will not cease and they (the police) have a zero tolerance policy on that.
Some road users have been at their wits end with some drivers, one example – recently a woman parked her vehicle in the middle of the road at Camp Street in front of St Margaret’s Primary School and went into the building to collect her children, much to the annoyance of others.
It took her at least five minutes before she came strolling out leisurely while, other drivers were livid because they could not pass. This created a serious traffic build-up.
Some people double park even in the busiest of wards in the city while some park with the engine running.
If you must come to the city in your vehicle, it is advisable to park in a suitable area (space) such as a paid parking lot, secure your vehicle then go shopping.