That was me, trying to get my 4×4 into a tiny parking space
Wednesday 11th February 2009, 2:59PM GMT.
From Alex Hotte.
NOT everyone owning a 4×4 is rich. I own one of them (not a brand-new one; I wish, though) and am no way near owing a fortune.
Julie Bourke must know me (reference her letter of 6 February) because she has laughed at me trying to park my car in a small space (by the way, I am not a him but a her last time I checked).
On that day I was looking for a space big enough so that I could get out of my car and I didn’t know the ceiling was sloped as there was no sign telling me so.
And no, I didn’t think I was driving a smaller car as I need to drive the car I have got since (when I am not working) I’m driving around with my two big dogs in the back (which wouldn’t fit in a smaller car).
So no, I do not own a big car because it is a trend but purely because I need to.
I don’t believe that big dogs should be driven in a small car just because it would please some people. As for the size of parking spaces, let’s just say that those who made them thought that they could fit more cars in one place without con-sidering whether people would be able to get out of their cars (regardless of the car size).
2 Grosnez Villas,
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I think the point here is that a good deal of 4 x 4′s are built for big roads yet people still insist on bigger is better. A horrible trait that began in America and is creeping throughout the world.
I dont believe all 4×4 owners are bad drivers but i do think that they should put some thought into why they want one and on what roads they will be driving them. However, it is quite obvious that many dont, and not only that but they believe that they can just get into one and drive safely because they have a driving license that says so.
Funny how it is, that to get a big bike license you need to climb the ranks of engine size to ensure you should hopefully, be able to cope. With the new Jersey tractors though anyone can get straight in one and drive off, that is a very dangerous situation.
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I challenge Julie Bourke to find me a car which will accomodate a family of 5, 2 dogs, 2 kayaks, 3 surfboards, wetsuits, a bbq, a couple of cool boxes, and bags of towels etc. and I will gladly purchase it. Until that time, let me drive my 4×4 in peace!
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If the majority stuck to their own side of the road and i am sure people would bt unfortunately it seems to be the majority that outweigh the minority when it comes to driving them safely.
Its the same for large people wagons.
People do not take their driving tests in such large vehicles which is why many are unable to judge the width of them safely.
Big bean, sounds like you need a mobile home not a 4×4!
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Facts and logic rarely surface in this never-ending debate. We all have various reasons for owning/driving what we do. Some would prefer a Stalinist approach where you are issued with a Trabant and told to get on with it! And my naughty big Kia Sorento is the same width as a Ford Mondeo … so there!
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Big Bean you sound like an awfully exciting person
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Interesting but incorrect perception that 4×4 are bigger. They are not. Taller yes, but the average ones seen on our roads are not wider than nearly all large saloons.
One upon a time people through the world was flat. I am sure they believed it as that is what their eyes saw. But once the facts were known, they were enlightened.
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