A female-only parking space has created controversy with some disgruntled drivers labelling the system sexist.
Unlike other ‘female only’ parking bays that have cropped up in different parts of the world, the designers of this multi-level car park in Perth’s CBD insist the spots aren’t designed any wider than normal.
This leaves the insinuation that women aren’t as good as men at parking out of the equation as people try to determine why these spots were introduced.
A female-only parking space has created controversy with some disgruntled drivers labelling the system sexist
In fact, the 28 female-only parking bays are fitted out with brighter lights, emergency help buttons and situated near exits to assist in creating a safer environment for female patrons, City of Perth chief executive Martin Mileham said.
Some drivers have been quick to mention female privilege and question whether these prime spots impact the elderly, disabled, or parents with prams.
But others say the statistics speak for themselves, and insist safety is often a serious concern for women in dark, enclosed parking garages.
Almost one in ten women have experienced violence by a stranger since they turned 15.
One in three women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. One in five have been subjected to sexual violence.
With these frightening statistics in mind, the private car park owners have taken steps to assist in a safer environment for women to embark on activities alone.
But people who are bothered by the parking bays can rest assured there are no legal ramifications to ignoring the signs.
Instead, they are simply asked to show their respect for the cause.
Unlike other ‘female only’ parking bays that have cropped up in different parts of the world, the designers of this multi-level car park in Perth’s CBD insist the spots aren’t designed any wider than normal
‘Men won’t be fined if they park in the bays but the City encourages men to support this,’ Mr Mileham said.
Reddit users expressed their opinion on the female only car spots on a forum, with one man calling it ‘a joke’.
In response, a female user said: ‘As a woman, I will say that I would actually really welcome more parking spaces like this close to the doors.’
‘Few things are more terrifying than having to walk a long way through a deserted car park to my vehicle.’
‘Not all men are harass or abuse women or purposely make them uncomfortable because they think it is a joke.’
‘But almost every adult woman can tell you a story of a time a man has made her feel scared or very uncomfortable, even if nothing happened.’
‘I wish that men who get angry about things like these parking spaces would direct their energy towards doing something about the reasons they exist,’ she wrote.