Women-only parking spaces

Parking spaces designated for the elderly, disabled or parents with prams and young children are a common phenomenon. Then there are the spots that are for particular employees, with prohibited individuals risking a fine or exorbitant towing fee if they park where they shouldn’t. On top of paying off a car loan, the last thing you want to do is incur hefty fines for parking your prized vehicle in the wrong place!

However, it appears that there’s a new kind of exclusive park: women-only parking spaces.

Parking equality or outright sexism?

Mainstream media in the West has recently picked up on South Korea’s women-only parking spaces, with a number of media outlets commenting on the initiative. Pink parking lines show female drivers where to drive — or reverse — into. The Korea Times noted that the project was first introduced in mid-2007. The rationale behind the move was to make Seoul city more “women-friendly”.

The recent mass circulation of the story has resulted in plenty of discussion, with opinion divided as to whether the female-only parking spaces are a much-needed necessity or incredibly sexist. 

Protecting your vehicle

Of course, the recent discussion presents an important consideration for vehicle drivers, no matter their gender: keeping their cars protected. According to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, the average premium per risk for domestic motor vehicles was $570 in the year ending March 2014.

Protecting your vehicle against theft and damage is essential — unless you fancy dipping into your savings account to pay for repairs, which can be incredibly costly. 

Likewise, it’s also worth having third-party insurance to cover you financially in case your car causes damage to someone else’s vehicle.

Whether your swing into a parking space was too wide for the narrow space or you’re involved in an accident with another vehicle, adequate coverage can offer substantial peace of mind.

Changes in South Australia

Vehicle owners in Adelaide and South Australia should pay attention to recently-announced changes that will affect their insurance obligations.

In SA, third-party insurance for motor vehicles is compulsory. The SA state budget outlined changes to the scheme, with opportunities for private sector involvement being opened.

Currently, the Motor Accident Commission acts as the single provider of Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance. From July 1 2016, the commission will no longer have this role, instead directing $500 million from its surplus net assets into the Highways Fund in 2016-17. Private providers will underwrite policies from July 1 2016.

The state is adopting a no-fault scheme for CTP, too. As the law presently stands, accident victims must apportion blame to someone else in order to obtain compensation.

“By moving to a no-fault scheme, motorists who suffer lifelong disabilities like paraplegia, quadriplegia, brain injury, whole limb or multiple amputation, severe burns or blindness in a motor vehicle accident will qualify for treatment, care and support,” Jack Snelling, Minister for Health, explained.

Compare car insurance