Does parallel parking bring you out in a cold sweat? Have you scraped your car in a multi-storey? Well now there are new plates for your car that will identify you as a bad parker.
These new 'B Plates' have been introduced so that you can apologise to other motorists for your lack of parking prowess.
Some new research has revealed that 48% of drivers think they could benefit from more training or assistance with their parking manoeuvres, The Manc reports.
On top of the 48% of bad parkers, the research by Scrap Car Comparison found that a further one in six (17%) say they have experienced stress or worry about having to park their car, while a third of drivers (30%) say they spend extra time searching for a parking bay with free spaces either side.
New 'B Plates' have been introduced so drivers can identify themselves as being bad at parking / Credit: Supplied
74% of new drivers aged between 17 and 24 say they could benefit from more guidance in lessons.
Overall, one in four motorists (23%) claim that they weren’t taught well enough when it came to parking maneuverers, according to the research.
It's hoped that the new B Plate stickers will encourage drivers to 'own' their parking pitfalls, the company says, as well as seek the additional guidance required to gain more confidence behind the wheel.
48% of drivers think they could benefit from more training with their parking manoeuvres / Credit: Supplied
"Just like a P plate enables new drivers to ask for patience from other road users, our B plates will give people the chance to hold their hands up, say sorry and ask for forgiveness, if they know their parking leaves a lot to be desired," explained David Kottaun, who is the Operations Manager at Scrap Car Comparison.
"We hope the plates also serve as encouragement for drivers to seek additional parking guidance to build up their confidence."
Want to get your hands on one then?
Scrap Car Comparison are offering a limited number of B plate stickers to interested drivers for free if you fill out the 'register interest' on its website here, and then based on interest levels, they will be made more widely available in 2025.
New regulations are set to be put into place as part of the Briggate Action Plan.
Proposals for the plan, aimed at making some of the city centre’s busiest areas safer for everyone, received a huge amount of support during a public consultation last year.
Since then, the council have been drawing up the necessary regulations and signage, with the new rules now due to officially come into place over the next few months.
Once implemented, the action plan will mean a requirement to walk bicycles and e-bikes within the city centre’s pedestrianised shopping area from 10.30am until 8pm every day.
That means no surprise bicycles will try and run you over as you're doing your shopping, hooray!
The action plan will also introduce prohibitions around certain street trading activities in targeted areas, including mobile street traders.
Extended restrictions will be put into place during major city centre events including Leeds Pride, Light Night Leeds and the Leeds Christmas Market.
Anyone breaking the new rules could be given a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice.
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council, said: “The city centre welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and our aim is for every one of them to have the best and safest possible experience of Leeds.
“Through this action plan, we’ve taken important and meaningful steps to address issues which the public have consistently told us were impacting their enjoyment of the city centre whilst also creating potential safety issues for shoppers and pedestrians.
“With these new regulations in place, our hope is that both day-to-day visits and major events will now be even more enjoyable, successful and welcoming.”
The new restrictions on pedlars are expected to be in place from Thursday 1 October, with restrictions on bikes in pedestrianised areas due to be in place by the end of the year.
Huge new two-storey late-night venue with beer hall and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
A new late-night venue is set to open in Leeds city centre.
And luckily for us, we don't have long to wait.
Introducing Klubhaus, a new venue by The Bierkeller brand that will open its doors on Friday 30 October on Merrion Street in Leeds city centre.
Combining a whole host of things, Klubhaus will feature drinks, games, and its very own beer hall on the top floor.
'The Bier Hall' will offer your classic Bierkeller-style benches alongside a huge stage and vast dance floor, perfect for events and live DJs.
Elsewhere in the two-storey venue, there will be two bars and plenty of games including dart boards, pool tables, and Bierkeller's popular ‘Spin the Wheel’ game where customers are given the chance to spin a large wheel behind each bar to unlock discounts and offers.
Dave Howarth, Brand Manager of The Bierkeller said: “Klubhaus is an exciting Bierkeller concept, and Leeds is the perfect city for a more drinks-led, late-night version of the brand.
“With two floors, two bars and The Bier Hall, we've built a venue on Merrion Street designed for the perfect night out.”
Considering the location, we've got a feeling this will do very well for those who prefer to party at the top of town on Merrion Street.
And with the prospect of bagging yourself a free drink from the mysterious wheel...who could resist?
You can have a look at what to expect via the Klubhaus by Bierkeller website here.
Emily Sergeant -
18th December 2024 
