Chris Henshall wrote:Couple of observations:
1. Many refer to these road clotters as "wobbleboxes" - seems reasonably appropriate.
2. Comments here about facilities at motorway service stations in the UK ring true. Are people aware that (poorly signed at the entrance to most service station car parks) you can be fined (sorry, incur an additional parking charge) of up to £90 from an organisation like Parking Eye if you stay in these "rest areas" for over two hours? I reckon that's a bit of an incentive either to stay on the road when, say, driving north overnight and feeling tired or to pull off and park up on some other highway if you find yourself needing a sleep. (If I sound bitter about this, it's because I am.)
Campervans to rip off parking - it had to happen.
Some say it's my specialised subject -
I dont get it but quite a few support paying for parking and charges even on these forums. Even if it means the hassle of being left with the dilemma of not having the right change and having to turn back or the dilemma of leaving your car with no option to pay for an overnighter.
It's just the British way, ripping each other off is perfectly acceptable in our culture. Don't expect anything for nothing and certainly don't do anything for nothing.
The highlands are not as bad for this just yet but it is creeping in unfortunately.
For hill walking, car parks are still generally free in the Highlands compared to e.g the lakes.
Many highland folk still, will stop and give a stranger a lift for no reward or recognition despite the warnings and possible dangers. This doesn't make them better people, it's just a mindset which is difficult to change I think.
Good news that the vast majority of no overnight parking signs in the highlands have been proven to be illegal and removed.
But on the downside It's sad that some people are now choosing not to visit Arrochar and the hills there purely because of the parking issues. Some because of the extra financial burden and the risk of a fine if you make a mistake.
Shame on Argll Council!