What is your approach to pedestrians reserving parking spaces for other drivers? | Carscoops

      Conflicts over parking spaces can escalate quickly, even when no laws are explicitly violated.

      A pedestrian attempted to reserve a parking spot on foot in a crowded parking lot, which raises issues of etiquette and safety.

      There are various concerns regarding parking lots and parking in general, but today we’ll concentrate on a less common yet significant issue: what occurs when a pedestrian claims a parking spot in a busy lot? How should a driver respond to that situation? What if they insist they're saving the spot for a friend? Let's discuss the options while considering a recent example of this situation.

      According to dashcam footage that was originally shared on Reddit — now taken down but still accessible on The Australian — this event seems to have occurred in Sydney, Australia. More specifically, it took place at The Piazza, a shopping center in New South Wales, around 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 11. As you might expect on a weekend afternoon, the lot is full, except for one available spot on the right.

      It is only when the driver approaches the empty space and starts to back into it that a pedestrian at the entrance of the spot speaks up. “No no no, the guy behind you is parking there (a black car behind us),” noted the person who posted about the incident on Reddit. Indeed, a black car is approaching behind the driver’s vehicle, ready to occupy the space. The driver responded, “I told him no, his friend was behind me way before we got here.” The pedestrian in white then replied dismissively, “just keep driving!!!”

      This did not sit well with the driver’s wife, so as seen in the video, the driver decides to leave, allowing the black car to park there. Importantly, the driver mentioned his wife’s quick thinking: “He may key our car or who knows if he’s carrying a knife or something,” she pointed out. This is a valid consideration that we all need to keep in mind nowadays.

      When It Happened to Me

      I can personally relate to this situation, as I experienced something similar years ago that still crosses my mind from time to time. I responded in the same manner as this driver did.

      Instead of escalating the situation or insisting that the spot was mine, I chose to drive away, found another parking place, and continued with my evening. However, I occasionally question whether that was the right decision. What are your thoughts? Have you encountered this type of parking lot confrontation? Would you stand your ground or opt to move on? Share your opinions in the comments; we’re interested in your perspective.