Wellsford parking mystery solved

BAD PLANNING? The cone-filled no-mans-land remains even after extensive remodelling.

It’s often difficult to get suitable parking at the busy Caltex station and foodcourt at Wellsford so with it closed for remodelling for several months last year one would expect this to be overcome somewhat. 

However, many people have been more than a little bemused that prime parking space for at least two vehicles has been cordoned off by cones protecting one sad and lonely red wheelie bin which is, ironically, not to be used for rubbish.

What is it for and what is it’s purpose in occupying such prime real estate?

We set about to solve the mystery and called the manager Matt for an explanation.

Firstly, the red wheelie bin contains absorbant materials to be used in the event of any fuel spillages. Fortunately  it hasn’t been required yet but, similar to having a fire extinguisher hanging on your wall, it’s a precautionary measure for what could possibly become a volatile situation.

Secondly, the parking spots are cordoned off because when vehicles, especially vans, are parked there staff are unable to see the pumps clearly sometimes resulting in drivers filling up and driving off without paying.

Regarding point one, a wheelie bin surely doesn’t need to occupy so much space, and point two could surely be overcome with all the security technology available today – but we sought an answer to a poser and that is what we got. Mystery solved.

- Rob Pooley