An Idiot Tried to Hog a Spot by Standing in Front of It. Should I Be Petty?

Lmytangledshoelaces on 06/03/2021 - 21:10
Last edited 06/03/2021 - 22:00

My friends and I were in Melbourne CBD this evening and were about to turn into a 90 deg parking spot.. to be met with an idiot standing right in front of the spot refusing to move. He claims that his friend is doing a turn and is just around the corner and that he is reserving the spot for his friend - called him an asshole and told him that he isn’t a car and should not be hogging a spot. His response? “How am I am asshole if I’m not being aggressive?”

Our confrontation lasted for 1.5 mins before we drove off to another spot that freed up, only because we were across 2 lanes and were holding up traffic behind us.

Obvs we have videos + dashcam footage and images of him and his friend + his friend’s car plate deets. Thinking if we should give karma a hand (+ just wanting to be extremely petty as he completely ruined our evening) by posting these vids/pics somewhere. Thoughts?

Poll Options expired

  • 207
    Taking things too far
  • 524
    Totally justifiable
Automotive

Comments

  • Top G on 08/03/2021 - 18:28

    Give them 30 seconds to show up otherwise it's mine.

  • Dack Smith on 08/03/2021 - 20:27

    I’m surprised you didn’t run him over

    Parking spots are for cars so anything other than cars will be parked over

    You were being nice

    • field1985 on 09/03/2021 - 10:06
      -4

      Bikes, motorbikes, scooters, etc, etc, etc can all legally park in parking spaces. Just because you drive a car it doesn't mean you are special. Grow the (profanity) up!

      • Bacons on 09/03/2021 - 14:39

        Bikes, motorbikes, scooters, etc, etc, etc can all legally park in parking spaces. Just because you drive a car it doesn't mean you are special.

        this has got to be satire

  • Hugh G Rection on 08/03/2021 - 20:48

    unfortunately there is nothing you can do. I know it sucks, but just move one and find another parking spot.

    The International Parking Institute says that while it is dangerous to stand in a spot to save it, no state has enacted a law ruling against it. Possession is 9/10 of the law, so if someone is standing in it, there is no law saying they have to give it up, and they probably won't because they basically 'possess it.

  • punk000 on 08/03/2021 - 21:45
    +2

    it's been years but I'm still hurting. Was waiting for a parking spot in Highpoint at peak xmas season when this elder lady was coming to get her car. The problem was she had signaled another car to follow her with the promise that the other driver would take her spot. Now she directed me to leave so she can pull her car out and that her spot is reserved for the other driver. Could have stayed and wasted all 3 parties time, but the missus said just leave the bitches be.

  • ankor on 08/03/2021 - 22:11
    +1

    The evil answer is just to back right over the person and say you didn't see them, for it was clear when you last checked and it is to your utter surprise that someone suddenly decided to stand where you were parking.

    You'll get into all sorts of trouble of course, maybe receive a fine or at worst a jail sentence, but you'll sure show that parking hogger who the boss is /s

    As an aside, dcau just released a bunch of Good Samaritan dashcam vids. Watch that, calm down and pick another battle for another day.

  • ego22 on 08/03/2021 - 22:15
    +2

    POST THE VID!! POST THE LINK!!

  • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2021 - 23:00
    +1

    Car vs person.

    I know which one would win.
    Not sure what the problem is.

  • megaalc on 09/03/2021 - 08:28
    +3

    "as he completely ruined our evening" - people are so fragile nowadays lol … just move on

  • elvislj on 09/03/2021 - 08:55
    +1

    Is he Chinese? I am Chinese It seems to be a common practice in China. There was a similar viral video in sydney before. Just another imported issues from China along with the immigration intake.

    • Munki on 11/03/2021 - 12:13

      What is this self loathing you possess and why? Are you trying to please someone?

      Holding up spaces isn't only done by the Chinese. There's no reason for someone's ethnicity to be introduced to this discussion.

      • elvislj on 11/03/2021 - 14:25

        Not just me. I find most of the Australians have no idea what impact the newly migrated 1million + Chinese have brought to Australia. Are you suggesting I shouldn't say anything when I see fellow Chinese doing wrong things? E.g most of my Chinese friends love seafood. So often I saw them catching lobsters and abalones outside legal limit. Also during prawn season the illawarra bays are full of Chinese too. Releasing fish back to water is unthinkable. Most of them have no regards to environmental conservation. Not to mention how much they love properties and the what impact has been done to Sydney.

  • MrFrugalSpend on 09/03/2021 - 09:29

    This isn't a great thing to do and I understand it slightly ticking someone off but the extreme negativity, and name calling, and "ruined evening" comments on here is too much.

    What else is slightly irritating (but certainly I wouldn't resort to name calling, posting dashcam etc) is:
    (a) when you are driving up and down or circling an area for a park for 10 minutes, then a car just arrives and snags the one that freed up on the opposite side of the road;
    (b) people who are 'stalking' someone to leave a park but then blocks the traffic for 5 minutes waiting for them to load the car, or enter directions into their GPS then leave etc, and waiting in the queue you miss other parks as a result of this person's persistence to wait as per (a) above; and/or
    (c) people doing ridiculous and illegal maneuvers to snag a park that frees up opposite them before the next car coming from that direction.

    People are being so negative about it but like Leanne59 said, presuming the "idiot" standing in the carpark was actually a passenger who saw a space free up and got out and crossed the road or walked back up the street to 'reserve it', then they were actually there first but made the call to do a circle around the block to approach it safely and legally, rather than what most of the even greater idiots out there do, illegal u-turns, reversing back up the street, cutting out in front of traffic in a physical outmaneuvering battle to get to the park a second before another car comes along. The 'idiots' actions are likely the result of looking for a park for some time and getting desperate. For all OP knows, said idiot's friend could have been looking up and down long before OP got there - I probably wouldn't advocate it, but it's not worth 'ruining' your own evening over and getting so negative.

    A fairer system would be some sort of app (when we all have Teslas perhaps?), whereby each car looking for a parking space in the area takes a number on the order of which they arrived in that street / carpark area. Each one gets the next park in order and can proceed to it an orderly fashion. Addresses all my concerns above and those of the OPs.

    And remember, you don't own public parking spots - that goes for both sides of this argument. No reason to get so upset either way. Be patient when going to an area with limited parking or catch public transport. We are all people just trying to go about our lives. Please, calm the f..k down, and be kind to each other.

    • greennick on 09/03/2021 - 15:54
      +1

      Agree you shouldn't let it ruin your evening, but there is a video, nobody needs to assume what happened, you can see it in the video and you give her too much credit.

    • Bacons on 09/03/2021 - 16:43
      +1

      The 'idiots' actions are likely the result of looking for a park for some time and getting desperate.

      I know you're not necessarily trying to defend them but this doesn't justify them because anyone can be desperate, there's no way to govern this.
      "oh you're desperate? I'm more desperate than you!"

      I like your app idea. Makes it nice and fair.

      I disagree with reserving spots using passengers though. There's no way to justify passengers claiming spots and it will be chaotic if this was normalized and everyone did that.

      I don't think people arguing for passengers reserving spots have spent any time thinking about how advantageous it is to unleash all 6 of my minivan passengers upon the carpark to reserve a spot. Now imagine if everyone did that while you are looking for a spot as a single driver. Absolute nightmare

  • mightyfes on 09/03/2021 - 09:42

    Better to let it go, you're wasting more of your time. Don't let encounters like this have so much power over you. People voting with encouragement to shame whatever the person did are not wasting their time.

  • field1985 on 09/03/2021 - 10:04
    -6

    Dude.. you are the ars*hole. They have the same right as you to occupy the space. You aren't special because you were in a vehicle. First come, first serve. You should have just said "fair enough" and driven off.. not caused a scene and blocked traffic because of your arrogance and selfishness. Get over yourself!

    But please post the footage… I love watching people make complete idiots of themselves.

    • zwolf on 09/03/2021 - 14:42
      +5

      You're an ass.

    • Bacons on 09/03/2021 - 15:07
      +2

      You aren't special because you were in a vehicle

      Are you saying this to make yourself seem woke or reasonable? You really think someone will read your comment and go "omg so true!"

      Vehicles have right of way on the road except in certain situations such as at a zebra crossing or at a pedestrian crossing light.

      They have the same right as you to occupy the space

      While you were trying to sound smart by bringing up "rights" in a statement that is completely vague and pointless, you neglected to mention that the space in question is a vehicle parking space and no where does it say you can reserve a free parking space by standing in it.

      Sure if you have a special need and all the closest parking spots are occupied then you can kindly request them to let you have the spot but you're still not entitled to it. Sure it will make the driver look inconsiderate but they don't owe you the space.

      • field1985 on 09/03/2021 - 15:25
        +1

        Typical drivers. I suggest you re-read the road rules, because you have to give way to pedestrians. You can't use your car as a weapon to intimmidate.

        "Vehicles have right of way on the road except in certain situations such as at a zebra crossing or at a pedestrian crossing light." You are 100% right. One of those is a Shared Zone, ie PARKING where people and cars mix. Where vehicles must give way to pedestrians.

        It's not cool to do it, but it's not illegal in any way.

        Meanwhile OP obstructing traffic and abusing the poor sod was. Grow up.

        • greennick on 09/03/2021 - 15:52
          -2

          "poor sod"? In what way is she a poor sod? If you read the comments here and in the video, not many share your view that she is a victim in this.

      • Ghost47 on 09/03/2021 - 21:17
        -1

        Vehicles have right of way on the road except in certain situations such as at a zebra crossing or at a pedestrian crossing light.

        Where in that claim does it say "parking spot"? Can you please reference the national road law or Victorian road law which stipulates that cars have right of ways into car parks (which may imply people can't stand in them to reserve them)?

        I find it strange people seem to equate car parks and roads as being one and the same. Someone else equated a road shoulder being the same as a 90 degree parking spot in Melbourne. Disturbing to say the least.

        • Bacons on 10/03/2021 - 00:17
          -1

          The closest thing I can find from a quick search is this
          https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/LZ/C/R/LOCAL%20GOVERNMENT%20(PARKING)%20REGULATIONS%201991/1997.02.02/1991.86.PDF

          section 23 - "A vehicle must not be parked in a parking space that is already occupied by another vehicle (except that two motor cycles may be parked in the same parking space)."

          Not saying this gives you permission to run over people but the government clearly didn't think they would need to explain to the people doing mental gymnastics that they can't stand in parking spaces to reserve them.

          Let me put this simply, it doesn't work because
          1, it gives a huge advantage to drivers with passengers and increasingly so the more passengers you have.
          2, if everyone did it, it would simply be chaotic and potentially dangerous

          Whether you have spent any common sense to think about these issues is anyone's guess.

          You'll be glad to know that NRMA will side with this stance as well
          https://www.mynrma.com.au/benefits/parking/resources/car-par…

          • Ghost47 on 10/03/2021 - 19:05
            -1

            @Bacons: You've cited an SA law, I don't think I need to tell you what the issue is there. Nor should I even need to tell you, if you read what you quoted it is completely irrelevant as it does not mention a person standing in a spot — it mentions "OCCUPIED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE".

            Not sure why people think other people can't obstruct a parking spot to hold it. Saying that people who have passengers have an advantage makes no sense since this isn't a thing that is widely done. Not everyone does it either. That is the slippery slope fallacy.

            The NRMA link — ettiquette is not law.

            Get as mad as you want about it, it's not illegal and people can't be fined for it. IT IS POOR ETTIQUETTE, THAT DOES NOT MAKE IT ILLEGAL. Can't believe people don't understand this simple to grasp concept and can't see the difference between the two.

    • smartazz104 on 11/03/2021 - 10:32

      First come, first serve

      That would make sense if the other person was in a damn car you pillock.

  • Piranha2004 on 09/03/2021 - 10:47

    Move on as suggested. Worst thing you can do is park in that spot and come back to a damaged vehicle.

  • richmond12 on 09/03/2021 - 11:45

    Post the video here for us!

  • greennick on 09/03/2021 - 12:51

    What annoys me about this, is it is not like she was in the space when you arrived, you put your indicator on and then she ran to the space. In Australia, indicating for a space reserves it, not having a passenger run to it.

    What is frustrating about this for many of my Chinese friends is they all say this is common in cutthroat China, however it just adds to resentment of Chinese here as it is not considered acceptable and some people can't separate the actions of a few from the many.

    • jv on 09/03/2021 - 15:15
      +1

      In Australia, indicating for a space reserves it

      Nope, first car to arrive at the parking spot reserves it…

      Otherwise, I'd leave my indicator on from the moment I enter a car park…
      Maybe even both indicators in case a car leaves from the opposite side…

      • greennick on 09/03/2021 - 15:46
        +1

        nah, if you are in the lane and a few cars back waiting with your indicator on, the spot is yours, not someone who rounds the corner to it after

        • jv on 09/03/2021 - 15:55

          nah, if you are in the lane and a few cars back waiting with your indicator on, the spot is yours

          not if someone else drives in first…

      • Zachary on 10/03/2021 - 00:41

        Nope, first car to arrive at the parking spot reserves it…

        I hope you don't drive a car because you're gonna get some…..unknown scratches/dents suddenly appear on your car…..unless of course u dont care about any incurred extra modifications to your paint job in which case I guess have fun in your parking spot…

        • jv on 10/03/2021 - 00:44

          I have dashcams and a good lawyer… All good…

          • Zachary on 10/03/2021 - 21:40

            @jv: ur car must be a huge camera on wheels….

    • popsiee on 10/03/2021 - 21:19

      I thought the most aggressive ^ wins the parking spot .

  • FreddyDD on 09/03/2021 - 14:19

    Reserving a spot for a friend by standing the spot is a normal thing in some countries. I've never seen it in Australia, but I can imagine why these people do it. Some people are a bit slow to learn the culture of where they move to.

    • jv on 09/03/2021 - 15:13
      -1

      Reserving a spot for a friend by standing the spot is a normal thing in some countries.

      Why?

      but I can imagine why these people do it.

      Because they feel self-entitled?

      • FreddyDD on 09/03/2021 - 16:04

        To answer your first question, I don't really know. It's just part of their driving culture.

        It doesn't have anything to do with self-entitlement if you ask me. I think it has a lot to do with a lack of observation and the inability to notice and learn the differences in cultures.

        I am from one of these countries where this is normal behavior, but one of the first things that I noticed (about driving and related matters) in Australia was that you cannot reserve a car parking spot with your feet and I never did it. As time went by, I realised that not only this is not normal behavior here but also that it's wrong and you have to be a jerk to do it. But some people are less perceptive and don't notice these differences.

        • jv on 09/03/2021 - 16:10
          -1

          It doesn't have anything to do with self-entitlement if you ask me.

          If one driver thinks they have more rights to a parking spot than someone who arrives there before them, they think they are more important for some reason, that is self-entitlement…

          • Castcore on 10/03/2021 - 01:16
            -1

            @jv: Sounds like you're describing the OP…lol

            • jv on 10/03/2021 - 08:42

              @Castcore:

              Sounds like you're describing the OP

              How?

  • Eeples on 09/03/2021 - 16:31
    +1

    Just make a vague loud threat after the car arrives “I know your car and where it is parked!”. Then drive off.

    Hopefully they will be worried all night about their car and spoil their evening.

  • Blackadda on 09/03/2021 - 16:37
    +1

    obviously they got there first so the spot aint free… just keep looking.
    Having a battle of wills about such rubbish and posting videos will just make you as big a karen as they are.

    It might not seem right and I wouldn't do it but that doesnt mean it's wrong to 'reserve' a spot.. maybe they had to turn around to approach from a different angle as there car was large or something, why does that 'entitle' you to it?

    • Castcore on 10/03/2021 - 01:13
      +2

      That's interesting, I remember my mum would occasionally make me do this as a kid and I (profanity) hated it. There was always a goodish reason but typically I didn't have the balls.

      Sounds like OP was irrationally triggered by the experience, happens to the best of us.

      But I'd have to agree that it's all about perspective and people are too quick to assume the other person is the arsehole.

  • schwinn on 09/03/2021 - 17:10
    +3

    You need to have a buddy on the street for this to work. Swing into the car park quickly, almost hitting the spot saver. Your friend dives and pushes the spot saver just on time, saving his/her life. Get out of the car and say, are you OK, didn’t see you there.

    • Zachary on 10/03/2021 - 00:43

      Huh, that's actually a neat idea….I wonder how that would work out practically….? As a social experiment….have you done it?

  • Castcore on 10/03/2021 - 01:06
    +1

    It is an interesting situation, I would personally hate standing in a parking spot just as I'd hate to confront someone else standing in a parking spot. I don't think it's the shittiest thing imaginable to do though, if it was a car in the spot you wouldn't think about it, you'd move on, now just pretend there's a car in the spot where they're standing and boom, you're no worse off.

    What really ticks me off is when you're indicating to be let in and the other car just needs to be in front and does not let you in.

  • SoapyWooder on 10/03/2021 - 09:56

    This is why we have car holograms, person holding the spot projects car hologram & get the parking, person looking for parking doesn't get upset, win win, but it won't work if too many people have the machine.

    • ankor on 10/03/2021 - 14:00

      Or you could attach a water cannon to the car.

  • coolsteps on 10/03/2021 - 12:23

    afaik its unlawful to hold a parking spot in OZ . first in best dressed i know many people from overseas dont understand that . IMO its not worth the stress and risk of them damaging your car ie letting air out of tyres etc just move on and find another parking spot.

  • skittlebrau on 10/03/2021 - 12:43
    +6

    You can't really win in these kinds of situations unfortunately. Someone who's willing to pull a move like that, is probably willing to intentionally damage your car after you've parked. Sometimes it's just a waste of time to engage with idiots and it's better to just move on.

  • Nick91 on 11/03/2021 - 10:34

    Move on, value your time. There are (profanity), it’s life.

    Am shocked that you even post it as a question.

  • achew on 11/03/2021 - 14:05
    -1

    you should change your username to 'mydeniedcarpark' as it has also completely tripped you up

    achew
    'scuse me

  • mikewall38 on 11/03/2021 - 15:25

    You can block their car… With your car infront of the spot, they can not park either… simple as that

  • crashloaded on 13/03/2021 - 11:36
    +1

    If you have a passenger should just let them out to stand there too 🤣

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