Don't Dial & Drive

It's been on the news here in NZ recently about a new law they're trying to pass about using a hand held mobile phone while driving. It's ok to use hands free.

It would seem that they're a bit behind here in NZ. This law has been in place in Perth for several years. That was one of the things I noticed when I first arrived in Perth back in 2002, using your phone while driving is illegal.

Personally I think there should be a complete ban on the use of mobile phones while driving. Whether you are holding the phone or not, you have to concentrate on the conversation, which takes your complete concentration off the road, especially in busy areas or peak hour traffic.

I have to admit to talking on the phone while driving, but I do make the effort not to send text messages. How about you?

Park n Ride.....if you can!

This morning on TVNZ's Breakfast programme, they were testing whether it is quicker to drive to work on the busy freeway during morning peak hour or catch public transport, ie, bus or train.

They had two people leave a specific point in Auckland at the same time; one drove his car while the other rode the bus. The person who took the bus arrived at the destination point 20 minutes before the person driving the car.

What they didn't do was include the time it takes to get to the bus or train station & find a car park. They then showed us a live aerial shot of the car park at the bus station which was pretty much full by 7:30am.

Now having lived in a city like Perth, where they have a large public rail system, I often found the problem finding a park at the train station after 7:30am. Often you have to drive around the car park several times or even drive further away, which can often add 20-30 minutes to your travel time. One has to ask whether it is quicker to drive.

Do you have the same problems where you are? Public transport is great, if you can get to it!!

No Parking

Tonight on channel seven's "Today, Tonight" program, they had a report about parking inspectors issuing fines for people parking where they shouldn't be. They say they are all about revenue raising.

As a courier who services Perth city, I can say that parking can often be a hassle; it shouldn't be for me because I am in a registered commercial vehicle, and I am allowed to use the loading zones, where other vehicles are not supposed to park. Unfortunately other drivers don't pay any attention to the signs, and park wherever they feel like.

In the city the parking inspectors are strict & if your vehicle is caught in a place it shouldn't be, they will ticket you with a $100 fine.

As a courier I get really ticked off when I can't access a loading zone for 5 minutes because some clown can't read the sign that says, "Loading zone, commercial vehicles only".

Anyone who gets a fine for parking in a no stopping zone, or loading zone, gets no sympathy from me.





Technorati Tags: Road Rules - Parking Ticket

Are you speeding?

I couldn't find the image I was looking, but the sign basically says "Are you speeding? Speed camera ahead" This was the sign I came across driving home from work tonight.

Chances are you've seen the sign that informs you that you've just driven past a speed camera; of course once you see that sign it's too late; if you are speeding you've been flashed.

This sign I saw tonight on the road was placed about 50 meters before the camera, which if you are watching the road correctly you'd see & have plenty of time to check and adjust you speed accordingly.

This proved a point to me that the police & government are not all about revenue raising with their speed camera's, but as they claim they want to get drivers to slow down & hopefully reduce the amount of accidents & deaths on our roads.

I think the warning signs are good for quick reminders for those of us who often creep above the speed limit; but for those who still don't see the sign, you can be assured the camera will see you.



Technorati Tags: Speed Camera - Warning

Getting around

Wow, I havent blogged at all this week, too much else happening.

I have been doing something new this week. For weeks now I've been driving 40 minutes through Perth's peak hour traffic each way to & from work. Unless I'm on the freeway before 6:15am, it is usually about a 40 minute trip & comming home at night it's peak hour as well.

My job as a courier, I am on the road all day & sometimes by the end of the day I feel a little weary during the drive home.

I decided to try the public transport system this week. From home I drive to the train station, catch the train into the city, then bus from the city to work. All in all it's about an hours trip, which even though it is longer than the car, I can relax & not worry about arguing with the traffic. Also, I don't have to worry about being tired on the way home.

I bought myself a Smartrider, which is a pre-paid card which the fare is deducted from. I recon it saves me about 10 dollars in fuel & wear & tear on the car as well. Why not check out the Transperth system for yourself if you live in Perth. You can visit their website here.

Shopping Chaos

This afternoon Jo & I went out to our local Woolworth's to do our weekly grocery shopping. Even before we got out of the car, we were stuck in a traffic jam, in the car park.

We went in & did our shopping, while trying to squeeze our way through the many trolleys, down the, what seemed like narrow isle of the supermarket. There were trolleys everywhere, people & kids everywhere.

One could be mistaken to believe that either the shop as going to permanently close at the end of the day, or that this was the last opportunity ever to stock up on grocery's.

Once we finally got to the checkout the queue really started. The store had all 10 checkouts open & they all had a lineup of trolleys waiting to be served. It seems to be that Saturday's are really not a good day to do shopping. It must be the fact that everyone is too busy during the week to go out, so everyone heads out on the weekend. It also seems that every week is getting worse. I hate to see what next week will be like!!

What about you? Do you find that you are too busy during the week to to the shopping. Do find that the shops & roads are always busy on the weekends?? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.