New Technology can monitor empty parking bays and keep track of traffic occupying them. Relevant authorities can also be notified as to when a vehicles paid parking time has expired. Parking rules therefore need to be understood by new drivers.
The new technology will monitor cars as they occupy and vacate parking bays. The technology has been designed to feed information to phones and digital tablets. It will be tempting for drivers to use their devices while on the move looking to park.
Another use of the road sensors is to notify traffic wardens when parking time has expired and the owner of the vehicle is then liable to a fine. This is seen as many motorists as an excuse to raise cash as traffic wardens can then lie in wait to issue a parking ticket. Many people park in unsafe positions as a result of poor knowledge regarding parking restrictions and lack of skill in manoeuvring a vehicle. Parking regulations can be complicated with differences for time of day, spaces provided for loading and unloading and street signs which can be difficult to see and easy to ignore by people in a hurry. Parking regulations are given lip service on the theory test with no real practice of reversing into a tight gap given on driving lessons. Instructors need to make sure that learners understand road markings and signs on practical lessons.
The technology can be used to display how many cars use a particular street with higher charges set to be imposed on more heavily used streets. Drivers may seek streets with lower parking charges creating a bigger safety problem and annoying local residents. Parking for the purposes of the driving test is never into a gap, but behind one car and finishing within a certain distance. As roads become more crowded higher levels of skill and judgement are needed to safely put the car into a space ensuring it does not stick out and there is no damage to other vehicles. The driving test method of parking takes away the risk of damaging another vehicle but does not prepare pupils for backing into a space in busy urban areas and this should to be covered in lessons.
Local councils must to keep in mind that parking restrictions are in place to improve road safety by keeping junctions and sight lines clear. If motorists see this system as a means of fund raising then the important safety message is lost. Privately owned premises are beginning to use the system to monitor their car parks which may be an issue for driving instructors who are forced to use these to practice the bay parking manoeuvre.
Driving Instruction Check Test Criteria – Risk Management
The test of continued fitness to instruct is changing for driving instructors in order to take a more client centred approach. This replaces a system which placed importance on fault finding and demands more direct pupil involvement. Risk management is a main topic in the new version of the test so let's take a look at this.
Teaching Roundabouts on Driving Lessons
Today's roads feature some very busy and complex roundabouts. Multi lane roundabouts with multiple junctions and tight mini roundabouts occur in close proximity to each other. These environments demand a wide range of driving skills. Let's look at what driver trainers need to teach regarding roundabouts.
What are Traffic Light Workshop Schemes?
When a motorist fails to stop at a red light they may opt to take a traffic light workshop course. This replaces endorsement points and a fine. The course is designed to make motorists aware of the danger of failing to stop at red traffic lights and hopefully change driver behaviour.
