Page 4 | Did I have enough space to reverse

YourJadeSquid · 2026-01-31T12:43:52+00:00

Big white van was parked where the green dots are. I was parked where the red dots were. I was trying to reverse but I couldn't. Van driver moved a little but then said I had enough room to get out. I honestly don't know if I'm just a bad driver or I needed that much space. He ended up moving and I got out.

inickedthisname · 31/01/2026 15:44

YourJadeSquid · 31/01/2026 14:42

Reversing is frightening lol

Show quote history

Sounds like this is the issue. You could practice until you don’t find it frightening. It also makes no sense as you are still reversing when you leave - into a road you can’t see, instead of reversing into the space you have just looked into as you prepare to reverse into it.

You seem to want everyone to just agree you didn’t have enough space but most people think it looks like plenty of space and you don’t want to hear it.

Catwalking · 31/01/2026 15:43

YourJadeSquid · 31/01/2026 12:48

Why reverse park... It doesn't change the shape of the car.

Always have a quick getaway😉.

Ewock · 31/01/2026 15:33

YourJadeSquid · 31/01/2026 14:43

For the van driver illegally parked. Yes

Show quote history

No for you who can't even understand why you would need to reverse in or why its safer. You are a dangerous driver if you have this lack of awareness

upstairsdownstairscardboardbox · 31/01/2026 15:29

Loads of space but it's stressful reversing out. Always reverse in if possible unless it's a US style angled car park.

Pinkywoo · 31/01/2026 15:28

Changename12 · 31/01/2026 15:11

Maybe most parents care more about hitting a child.

Show quote history

I just rolled my eyes so hard I think I strained something.

In most car parks there isn't enough room to get a pushchair between the cars, or anything else large you may need to put in your boot. Reversing out does not mean flying out backwards at a hundred miles an hour, you have to be even more careful, but sometimes it is necessary!

(However, I could get a bus out of the space OP is talking about)

Didshejustsaythatoutloud · 31/01/2026 15:28

AlcoholicAntibiotic · 31/01/2026 12:58

I was wondering that.

If you need to take up 3 spaces you’re definitely a poor parker.

Show quote history

😂

BeaLola · 31/01/2026 15:23

I think there was enough room from your picture

I always reverse park into a space , I find it easier and never any problems driving off afterwards - I have always done it and even though new car comes with camera options I just do it

I live in the country and the couple of occasions I have driven into a space at a pub , another at a farm shop I have had a pain getting back out due to the fact that other people have parked besides me on each side and behind and visibility is then more difficult

Vaxtable · 31/01/2026 15:18

YourJadeSquid · 31/01/2026 12:48

Why reverse park... It doesn't change the shape of the car.

Because it’s easier to get out. You should always reverse park into a space and come out front first. It’s much safer as you have much better vision

same as you should always reverse park on drives so you come out front first

Changename12 · 31/01/2026 15:11

Pinkywoo · 31/01/2026 14:44

I'm surprised there's so many people being
smug keen to reverse park on a parenting forum. You've obviously all forgotten the ball ache of dragging a pushchair out of the boot while being screamed at by a grumpy baby!

Maybe most parents care more about hitting a child.

GreatUserName · 31/01/2026 15:11

If the two bays either side of the space are already occupied, I always find it a million times trickier to drive straight in, rather than reverse in.
But then my default parking manoeuvre is to reverse into any space anyway.
The only time I tend to drive in is when then are two free spaces in tandem so then I end up facing out towards the oncoming traffic.

From your photo, it looks like there's more than enough space to reverse out.

freudenschaude · 31/01/2026 15:08

Plenty of room to reverse out! As pp say learn to reverse park into spaces and you’ll soon understand why it’s much better.

Bloozie · 31/01/2026 15:05

Yes - there's loads of space to reverse out there.

And if you are not very confident reversing, it is definitely much easier (and safer) to reverse into a car parking space, than out of it. You should definitely work on your reverse parking skills, and always go in spaces backwards unless it means you can't load your boot and you'll need to. I actually find it much easier to reverse park - you'll get the hang of it.

lovealongbath · 31/01/2026 15:04

HolesInTheAlbertHall · 31/01/2026 12:51

Because then you don't get stuck if something does park close to you.

The fact you don't see the benefit of reverse parking makes me think you are a poor parker. And from that picture there is lots of space.

Show quote history

⬆️ ⬆️

NoWordForFluffy · 31/01/2026 15:02

GreatUserName · 31/01/2026 14:49

Do you not have to reverse to parallel park?

Also, you've marked 3 red dots, which space was you in?

Show quote history

I asked this ages ago and she hasn't enlightened us yet!

MigralevePink · 31/01/2026 15:02

Makemineacosmo · 31/01/2026 14:57

You're absolutely right. Being able to drive your car properly is 'dramatic' and 'parking choice' definitely trumps silly old safety.

What was I thinking.

Show quote history

Wow! I’m not sure what you are reading into what I wrote. Reversing out of a space is sometimes a necessity; it can be done safely. It doesn’t have to be a drama. It doesn’t mean you can’t drive a car properly. No one is disputing reverse is, drive out is recommended but life, and parking spaces and situations, isn’t always straightforward. I am not advocating being reckless. I am not sure how you have reached that conclusion?

Didshejustsaythatoutloud · 31/01/2026 15:01

This is the reason you need to practice your reverse parking skills. Unless you need to put a chest of drawers in your boot 😂

Makemineacosmo · 31/01/2026 14:58

This is a great read. Highly recommend.

rebeccachoc · 31/01/2026 14:57

YourJadeSquid · 31/01/2026 14:41

Because when you got people behind you theu don't leave enough space despite reversing hazards on, plus it's a corner

Show quote history

Do you indicate that you are pulling up to the left in this case, before you start to reverse? Hazards aren't needed and don't tell people what you are doing.

Makemineacosmo · 31/01/2026 14:57

MigralevePink · 31/01/2026 14:49

the ‘uppity’ isn’t about parking choice, its
about overblown reactions to every day minor incidents. If a car is reversing and the manoeuvre is in progress, just let them finish. No need for drama.

Show quote history

You're absolutely right. Being able to drive your car properly is 'dramatic' and 'parking choice' definitely trumps silly old safety.

What was I thinking.

WeirdyBeardyMarrowBabyLady · 31/01/2026 14:56

Your response to the replies does seem to suggest this is a you problem. From the picture there’s loads of space even if you just pull out straight.

Makemineacosmo · 31/01/2026 14:53

TheMorgenmuffel · 31/01/2026 14:45

ime it's best to assume everyone is actively trying to kill you and has never even heard of the highway code.

Show quote history

Yep. It definitely appears to be that way!

ReadingSoManyThreads · 31/01/2026 14:51

Pinkywoo · 31/01/2026 14:44

I'm surprised there's so many people being
smug keen to reverse park on a parenting forum. You've obviously all forgotten the ball ache of dragging a pushchair out of the boot while being screamed at by a grumpy baby!

Well, I very smuggly babywore. No buggy faff for me.

SerendipityJane · 31/01/2026 14:50

Pinkywoo · 31/01/2026 14:44

I'm surprised there's so many people being
smug keen to reverse park on a parenting forum. You've obviously all forgotten the ball ache of dragging a pushchair out of the boot while being screamed at by a grumpy baby!

This is why it is a "should" and not "must" in the Highway Code that no one has read.

For every minute you are behind the wheel of a car - stopped or not - it's on you to use your judgement, experience, training and common sense to ensure you and those around you are safe.

I realise that is probably too much for some. Luckily we don't have too many deaths on the roads in the UK, or something might be done.

MigralevePink · 31/01/2026 14:49

Makemineacosmo · 31/01/2026 14:45

It's not 'uppity'. In most cases it's safer.

Show quote history

the ‘uppity’ isn’t about parking choice, its
about overblown reactions to every day minor incidents. If a car is reversing and the manoeuvre is in progress, just let them finish. No need for drama.

ReadingSoManyThreads · 31/01/2026 14:49

YourJadeSquid · 31/01/2026 14:43

For the van driver illegally parked. Yes

Show quote history

AND for you who struggled to perform a simple manoeuvre.

Reversing in is not only easier all round but is SAFER.