Drive Friendly
Okay, I’m going to stop complaining about tourist drivers from Ontario now. Feel free to go the wrong way — in reverse — up my one-way street anytime. Block the narrow lanes of the Old Port with your SUV or Hummer. Park in my 02 sticker spot, and take up two spaces while you’re at it. Bienvenue.
Why the sudden good will? This month’s issue of The Economist examines the link between diplomat parking tickets (i.e. ones that never need be paid because of “diplomatic immunity”) and national corruption levels. For example, in New York, U.N. delegates from Chad ran up an average of 124 parking violations per diplomat. Canada? Zero.
That’s very impressive! Toronto may have its more-than-fair share of bad drivers, but at least they’re not allowed to besmirch national prestige. Of course, if Quebec ever separates, traffic in my neighborhood will improve substantially. ;-)
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I find that the Old World charm of the Old Port lulls people into thinking the streets are pedestrian walkways. I often see people walking down the center of streets or crossing without looking or stopping.
Oh, yeah. As a resident of the Old Port, I don’t move my car in summer except to avoid parking tickets.
What’s weird is that in winter the neighborhood is so empty. Stores are closed. Restaurants are closed on weekends…It’s sort of like living in a summer resort.