‘Selfish’ summer trend taking over beach car parks

Is it ever okay to reserve a car spot on-foot? An etiquette expert has weighed into this growing trend.

There’s nothing more frustrating on a hot day than circling the carpark at the beach for ages, only to find a space that has already been claimed by … a person on foot.

Many Aussies have taken to social media to express their frustration about this controversial act, which has been around forever but seems to have reached a new level amid the cabana-gate reservation drama this summer.

Perhaps people feel emboldened by the growing trend of reserving public spaces – whether it’s a prime spot on the sand, a park table, or, more recently, even glad-wrapping picnic shelters.

It seems this particular car park behaviour requires a level of shamelessness that only the bravest people seem to have.

In one viral Instagram clip, a man is seen ‘dibsing’ a space in a crowded car park on Sydney’s Northern Beaches by sitting on a fold-up chair.

He appeared prepared to camp out for a while, even bringing an umbrella for shade, as cars passed him by.

“Yeah, nah mate,” someone commented on the video posted to the Creatures of Manly page.

“Is this for real? OMG,” another stunned viewer responded.

Many labelled this behaviour as entitled and selfish, while a few argued it was fair play, given the man’s commitment to reserving the spot.

According to Regulation 236 of the Road Rules 2014, it is an offence to “cause a traffic hazard by moving into the path of a driver” or “unreasonably obstruct the path of any driver or another pedestrian.”

The maximum penalty for these offences is a fine of $72, or $2,200 if contested in court.

Debate has erupted over people 'reserving' car spaces at beaches. Picture: Instagram/CreaturesOfManly

In another post on the Mosman Living Facebook page, a man shared a photo of a woman and her child standing in a beachside parking space, fending off whoever eyed off the spot.

“How sad what the world is coming to,” he wrote.

“I tried to tell this lady she can’t stand in a parking spot at Balmoral and reserve it. She said, ‘My husband is coming, why don’t you go and get f***ed yourself.’ Deary me.”

A woman stands in a car space with her child. Picture: Facebook/MosmanLiving

Etiquette expert Anna Musson has weighed in on the debate and shared whether this sort of behaviour is ever acceptable.

“With all matters of etiquette, we have to apply context and ask ourselves if it passes the pub test. In this case, I think we can all agree the answer is no,” she told news.com.au. “You cannot reserve a parking spot without a car or motorbike.”

“The ‘first in, best dressed’ rule applies here, just as it does for booths at the pub, views, seats at the cricket, the footy, and clothing sales! Remember, we’re all in the same situation, and a space will become available.”

An etiquette expert has weighed into the conversation. Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie

Regarding the woman standing in the Balmoral parking spot, Ms Musson said that “inserting a child to bolster her chances” suggests they may have been looking in the area for a while, and their desperation for a good parking spot had “risen accordingly.”

While it may be tempting to confront a person occupying a spot, Ms Musson advised against it, saying it could escalate the situation.

“Drive on, take a breath, and know they are having a worse day than you. Be the bigger person – your blood pressure and the example you set for your children will thank you.”

She also mentioned that she too feels annoyed by this kind of behaviour but prefers to express her frustration quietly, saying aloud with the windows up, “You can’t do that, love,” and sometimes even using a stronger word.

Originally published as ‘Selfish’ summer trend taking over beach car parks