DEAR Editor:-
I recently found myself in Port Shepstone looking for a parking space. They did not appear to be any more plentiful than in times gone by. Eventually I located one outside the library.
Having parked, I looked for a ‘meter’ in the usual place – on the pavement. It was not there. Then I spotted one set back off the pavement, not visible to those who might have parked further away. It did not look too user-friendly but I was immediately approached by a man wearing a day glo jacket who indicated I should place money in a slot – lower left – and take the receipt which was dispensed – top right. That seems simple enough and quite painless. I was then instructed to display this receipt on the dashboard of my motor car.
I parked quite close to the ‘meter’, ±10 metres or so, which meant I had to walk to the meter and then back to the car, ie ±20 metres. If I had parked lower down or higher up the block, this would mean a walk of perhaps ±80 metres to and from the meter.
If I was unlucky, I might have had to walk back in the same direction to go about my business!
This walking back and forth could be a hassle especially when it’s raining. You and your paper receipt are going to get wet!
I asked the helpful day glo man about the rain – he just shrugged.
In my opinion, the main problem with this system is this walking business.
DJ OWEN
Anerley
