Community policing officer

Parking facing oncoming traffic implies the practice of parking a vehicle against the flow of traffic, meaning the car is positioned in the opposite direction of the lane’s designated traffic flow. This practice is typically prohibited in many countries due to safety concerns and visibility issues. In contrast, driving and parking practices vary significantly across the world, influenced by urban planning, and legal regulations. For instance, about 165 countries in the world drive and park on the right side of the road. 

Similarly, in countries where driving is on the left side, like Namibia, specific regulations apply. In Namibia, driving and parking practices reflect the country’s unique road conditions and legal framework. Drivers are required to drive on the left-hand side of the road, and parking regulations are clearly marked with colour-coded signs. For example, red and white markings indicate no-parking zones, while yellow and white signify short-term parking. The majority of roads in Namibia are unpaved, but urban areas provide structured parking spaces with clear rules to ensure order. Parking on the left-hand side of the road aligns with Namibia’s left-side driving rule, which is consistent with practices in countries like South Africa.

Furthermore, in Namibia, where vehicles drive on the left side of the road, parking on the right-hand side is not allowed. This practice is a traffic violation, as drivers are expected to park on the left-hand side of the road to maintain safety and comply with regulations. Additionally, parking facing oncoming traffic is dangerous due to several reasons. Firstly, it forces you to cross lanes of traffic when entering or exiting a parking area, which increases the risk of collisions with oncoming vehicles, particularly in poor visibility conditions. Moreover, this can confuse other drivers due to the car’s reflectors appearing in the wrong direction, potentially leading to misjudgments about the driver’s intentions.

Moreover, when leaving a parking spot, the driver has to pull out directly into oncoming traffic, which significantly increases the chance of a crash. Consequently, due to blind spots and misjudged distances, it can be harder to accurately assess oncoming traffic when pulling out of the parking spot. Furthermore, if a driver parks a vehicle facing oncoming traffic at night, the vehicle headlights can temporarily blind approaching drivers and could cause an accident.

In line with these regulations, according to the Road Traffic and Transport Act, Act 22 of 1999, individuals found parking on the right-hand side of the roadway are liable to a fine of N$500.

Overall, adhering to parking regulations is not just about avoiding fines, it is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of all road users. Remember, small actions like parking correctly can have a significant impact on road safety. Do the right thing as it goes a long way in protecting lives and keeping our roads safer for everyone.

For more information on road safety matters and other emergencies, contact the Windhoek City Police Service at 061 302302 or Tell: 061 290 3339/3340 or SMS: 4444