Phillipa Patea

As the silly season approaches, it seems that people, namely drivers, are becoming sillier than usual. On Friday afternoon, I did my usual walk along the river, and it was great to see the kids swimming by the bridge.

But some had decided the carparks were 20 metres too far away so parked on the footpath between the rowing club and the roundabout, completely blocking all access. Even I with my mobility issues manage to get out for a walk; a shame they can’t. But, oh well, just a one-off.

So, on Saturday with it being such a nice day, I decided to use my mobility scooter to go down to the heads and enjoy the sun.

Yet again, though, people who don’t seem to be able to walk an extra few metres to a free carpark have parked blocking the footpath between the flood wall next to the boat ramp and the road.  

Three giant utes with big mud tyres; surely some outdoorsy folks – why can’t they park a little further away and walk instead of blocking the way for this old kuia who has mobility issues. My way was blocked; if I went on the road I couldn’t get back on the footpath, so off home it was.

Still, it’s lovely to see people spending time with their whānau, just be nice if they thought of everyone else. Maybe the council and police could step up their parking infringements over this silly season?