Width Restrictions

Width Restrictions, or pinch-points, are designed to prevent Large Goods Vehicles (LGV's) from accessing unsuitable roads.

They have the side effect of making new drivers nervous. But if you follow the rule of looking at the space (DO NOT STARE AT THE POSTS) then you should be fine. A speed of no more than 10mph will keep you safe. 1st of 2nd gear depending on your level of confidence.

width-restrictions

Pulling up

Follow the same principle when you pull over at the side of the road. Aim at the head rest of the car in front, and ignore the kerb. As long as the car in front is parked properly, you'll follow their line, and will end up parked nicely without scuffing your tyres on the kerbs.

pullingup

If there is no car to aim at, use your imagination, and aim at an imaginary car. Just make sure that the imaginary car is not parked on the kerb!!

pulling up


Where to Look

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where to look

Many Steering problems are related to where the driver looks. Being too close to parked cars is generally caused by looking at the parked cars. Being too close to oncoming cars is generally caused by looking at the oncoming cars.

Try whenever possible to aim at the back of the driver's headrest of the car in front. I'm not saying that you should only look at the back of the driver's headrest of the car in front, just that you should aim roughly there.

Experienced drivers would do this without even realising it, but new drivers may need to make a conscious effort. If there is no car to follow, use your imagination, and follow an imaginary car.

road position

If you find yourself looking at the driver of the oncoming car, (for example to see if you recognise them) you're steering toward trouble. Keep your eyes on the space.