On Sun, 21 Jul 2013 15:31:53 +0100, JNugent
wrote:

On 21/07/2013 14:37, Bertie Wooster wrote:
On Sun, 21 Jul 2013 06:27:18 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Sunday, 21 July 2013 13:15:59 UTC+1, Mrcheerful wrote:
wrote:
On Sunday, 21 July 2013 12:28:04 UTC+1, Mrcheerful wrote:
Bertie Wooster wrote:

How do the stationary motor vehicles materialise on the footway?

they are put there while no people or items occupy that space.

Indeed, just like crossing the footway (my SOP whenever I have to go
anywhere other than within walking distance).

But even that "point" raised by BW was problematic, since exactly the
same thing applies to bicycles being parked on or off the highway.

What is lawful for a car is lawful for a bike (motorways, etc, excepted).

Indeed, because pedestrians have to jump out of the way to avoid
injury.

Yeah, right.

How I have managed to survive to my age and never seen that happen must
be one of the great mysteries.

There must be lots of news items about that, can you point to some? There
are many news items about pedestrians having to jump out of the way of
cyclists on the pavement, why is that?

It's not a news item because it's a regular occurrence. If you've never had to move smartly to avoid a pavement parker heading for you, then you don't get out enough.

I agree that I probably don't get out enough. In fact, I'll shortly go
out for a four-mile walk across the neighbouring farmland as an attempt
to redress that balance. But on the bits on the highway, I still won't
see anyone (including me) having to jump out of the way of a parked car.

I do think the problem varies in different parts of the country, and
even in towns the problem is different in different parts of the town.

For example, outside the Kebab shop just off the A20 in Lee is
particularly bad between 7pm and midnight. Eltham High Street is bad
daytime with delivery drivers.

Clearly, all High Street shops (particularly in London) should be shut
down and retail should only take place in places built for the purpose,
such as Bluewater or Lakeside or EOT hypermarkets, all equipped with
loading docks round the back.

That would make you happier, presumably.

Not at all. But many high streets are now semi-pedestrianised and only
allow delivery outside of shopping hours.

Residential areas seem to be worse
overnight than during the day. Outside schools can be diabolical
8.30am to 9.30am and again 3pm to 4pm, just at the most dangerous
times when children are meeting their parents.

Define "most dangerous".

For that matter, define "dangerous".

In the context to which you allude, of course.