Operation Inconsiderate

A lovely sunny morning in Manchester saw me cycling between offices today.  Halfway through my journey I came across this pillock. Parked in a mandatory lane protected by kerbs (and of course on the pavement) quite happily unloading his van for deliveries to "Sandbar"

While I was stopped to snap a picture a police van approached which i flagged down to report.

PC Beckinsale (1050) of GM Police was driving the vehicle at he time. He stopped next to me and I explained the issue and asked what e could do.  Rather than looking at the problem for what it was he decided that the problem was me an my bike.  His first suggestion was "well you can go in the road". I pointed out that this is a contraflow cycle lane so this is not vialbe as it would place me in confrontation with oncoming traffic. He then tried "well you can use the footpath" to which i pointed out stats of Operation Considerate which indiacte this is not approved behaviour.

Finally running out of ways to blame me he grumbled that he would "speak to the driver" upon which he told the driver I had complained and asked nicely. ASKED not told, Asked. Requested. Pleaded.

The road this occured on is here in google:

That footpath with the beer tables? That is where i am supposed to ride according to this officer.

I have now reported this action and will update when I hear back 

Brunswick Street Special

For those of you who know the university district this post may not be very enlightening.  But for those of you new to the area and in need of parking let me introduce Brunswick Street.

Located at the heart of Manchester University this road is toatlly uncontrolled and parking is a free for all on yellow lines and footpaths.

Many drivers down here claim to be "loading" but never seem to actually leave their vehicles.  One gentleman explained that he was jut waiting for his girlfriend, so that's all right then.

Obviously I do not have enough time to catalogue all of the parking opportunities in this area but have recorded a few choice exmaples for you all here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/131238779@N02/sets/72157650362992967/

From our correspondents

As you may have noticed I don't get out of the city centre much in my working day and due to the cold haven't ventured much further afield on my off time either.  So i am pleased to be able to bring you examples of Manchester's fine parking infrastrcutre from other council districts within Greate Manchester.

First up we visit Tameside where residents have made the break through discovery of parking on corners, and of course footpaths (Spotted by Gareth)

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 Secondly some convenient spaces for the shops in Cheadle Heath found for us by UrbanManc



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Poetry in Motion(less vehicles)

We have finally hit the big time! At barely a fortnight old GM Parking have commissioned our very own work of linguistic art.  The wonderul Nina has written us a poem:

Cycling along and what do I see?
A big metal box parked in front of me
What is that in the cycle lane?
Oh look, its a Transit Van again

 

Revving its engine, exhaust fumes pumping out
Of its pollution pipe shaped spout
What is that in the cycle lane?
Oh look, its a Transit Van again

Ignoring the white lines, painted on green
Thinking two wheels have no right to be seen
What is that in the cycle lane?
Oh look, its a Transit Van again

Cutting the corner, driving along
But little do they know I'm singing a song
What is that in the cycle lane?
Oh look, its a Transit Van again

For GM Parking is out to snap their parking spot
Whether little or often
Cameras will get a shot
Of the dodgy parking, aiming for their empathy to soften
What is that in the cycle lane?
Oh look, its a Transit Van again

But not for much longer Mr Van
Be mindful of all road users, yes you can!

 

 

 

This only cost us a fiver and it all went to the Beat charity helping people with eating disorders. If you want one of your very own then why not tweet the lass herself and donate via Just Giving

Advisory Parking Lanes

While I try to focus on Manchester, this post is to give a quick tip to people anywhere in the UK.  All over our streets you will see cycle lanes marked with dashed white lines, these are called ADVISORY cycle lane (note that first word). Basically they mean FREE PARKING. Legally you have to keep them clear if in use, but if we block the lane they can't be used can they?

 

All three of the comrades below have twigged, good sports. The last one apologised when he saw me photographing but I congratulated him on being more important than other people and waved him on his way.

On this occasion there were only 3 people using this space, what a waste.

 

 



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Keepin' the customer satisfied

This morning has given me occasion to admire how well we treat our businesses.  Firstly the Muse Café on Oxford Road.  Not only do they have a loading hatch with room to park just out back, they also get unhindered usage of the footpaths their customer would otherwise use to get coffee. But at least they price their sandwiches to keep out the plebs.

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And also this chap from UPS. He bounces on and off this kerb everyday working to strict timetables so his bosses can avoid paying another driver, with his taxpayer funded drop off zone

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Night Parking in Ancoats

For those who want to move to funky in town apartments that are close to all the amenities.  It doesn't matter if your budget is below your expectations. No need to pay for storage space for your car, just dump it on the pavement. Any pedestrians or prams can just bounce over the wet cobbles.

Much attention has been made to ensure this area is as uncomfortable for pedestrians and cyclists as possible

Too Posh to Pay?

Our friend here has his own personal space on a footpath.  Obviously owning a BMW is just too expensive for him so he couldn't possibly afford to use the car park located 3 yards behind his vehicle

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From the trenches

Been desk bound today, but eagle eyed spotter @urbanmanc found this convenient stopping place right next to Greggs in Edgeley, Stockport.  He also informs us that it is often used to show off the speed of your vehicle without police interference.  Snaps to UrbanManc!


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Speedy lunches

More around the Oxford Road area today (our #1 photographer works here)



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This gent needed a conveient way to get to his bank, why not ditch the car on the path and let the missus go in for you?








The workers below needed a sandwich in a hurry, they found our parking spaces opposite Subway to be very handy

Getting in on the act

It seems we have moved in on the spirit of the moment.  Our good friends at Manchester Evening News have been getting the ball rolling by illustrating the novel ways we Mancunians have found to get around the age old problem of having to walk a few meters.

Check out their gallery here

Lovely lunch spot

This driver loves Manchester Parking.  She needed a place to eat lunch, make a phone call and smoke a fag.  Instead of using any of our parks or cafes she opted for our scenic car park clearly marked with 2 yellow lines for her convenience.

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Supermarket Car Park

We understand that there are just not enough supermmmarkets that people can drive to. For those times when you really need a pack of cheap donuts we work with Sainsbury Local to offer free bike lanes car parks for those pesky in town stores

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Double the Fun

The ever helpful workers of Manchester today show how spacious our parking facilities can be. Here we see both a minvan on shift change AND a waste truck sharing a single cycle path. Enjoy your brews fellas

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Double Twattery

Two happy visitors today.  The first ones obviously needed literature to go, thankfully our double yellows, next to a corner, by a bus stop was available.  Hopefully next time he will learn his lesson and just park fully on the footpath like driver #2 there

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