You can appreciate delivery drivers visiting Brigg premises have a worthwhile and sometimes difficult job to do. However, in the space of a few minutes this morning I, and other shoppers, had to step aside while two vans went down the centre of Wrawby Street (fully expecting a Biblical-style parting of the waves to occur) and then found my car hemmed in by another delivering to an outlet in Spring's Parade.
"I'm just going" and "I'll only be a minute" are phrases you hear uttered by White Van Man, but a well-meant "Sorry" is often absent.
What would the reaction be if a private motorist blocked in a delivery van in Spring's Parade? Even more to the point: What would the reaction be if a private motorist (with no right to be in the Pedestrian-only zone) blocked the path of White Van man in Wrawby Street or the Market Place?
As was pointed out to me this morning while we observed a white van parked up in Wrawby Street, some towns and cities make delivery drivers park away from the shopping area and transport items on foot.
Brigg Blog isn't suggesting that happens in our town. However, there's no reason why we shouldn't have a bit of common courtesy from the minority of delivery folk who don't always demonstrate it. Not all drivers are at fault, but there are some who could be asked to show a bit more care and consideration. Especially in an area of Brigg which is designed for pedestrians, rather than public roads which are designed for motorists like White Van Man.
A number of points, Nige:
ReplyDelete1. We were informed that only vehicles with Brigg TC permits were allowed in the pedestrian area. (Even disabled badge holders have to apply..) So where is the enforcement?
2. There is no excuse (generalising) for delivery, other vehicles, visiting the northern-side premises on Wrawby St....these premises have access from the rear, via Old Courts Rd.
3. There is/are no designated 'Loading Bays' in such thoroughfares as Spring's Parade and Wrawby St./Grammar School Rd. ..so any delivery vehicles is in immediate competition with car users
to find a parking space.
4. Accepting that some premises need to accept deliveries from the pedestrian zone...many similar zones have designated unloading times - ie, 'Before 10.00am and After 3.30'. Firms quickly get the message and if there are 'Loading Bays', such give an alternative.
5. Those delivery drivers using a pallet/pump truck to handle boxes need lowered pavements.