You can’t park there…

Columnist Tim Schewe provides a handy list of how far away to park from roadside features

I received a request from a gentleman who wanted others to know how far away drivers have to park from roadside features.

He has a problem with people parking across the end of his driveway rather than keeping their distance and is hoping that a reminder to other drivers might solve it.

Is your measuring tape ready?

You cannot park in the following places:

• On a sidewalk or boulevard;

• In front of a driveway;

• In an intersection unless permitted by a sign;

• On a crosswalk, bridge, elevated roadway or in a tunnel, contrary to a sign;

• On the roadway side of a vehicle already parked,

• On a highway for the purpose of advertising or selling.

You cannot park within five metres of a fire hydrant.

You must not park within six metres of:

• The approach side of a crosswalk,

• The approach to a flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic control signal;

• The entrance or exit of a hotel, theatre, public meeting place, dance hall, fire hall, or playground in a rural area.

You cannot park within 15 metres of a railroad crossing.

Of course, if you must park somewhere forbidden due to a breakdown, a note on the car and a word to the property owner goes a long way to avoid misunderstandings.

For more information on this topic, visit www.drivesmartbc.ca. Questions or comments are welcome by e-mail to comments@drivesmartbc.ca. Tim Schewe is a retired RCMP constable with many years of traffic law enforcement experience. His column appears Friday.

Comox Valley Record