European parking 'spaces'

I agree with CatModelT... Not to sound like a conspiracy theorist, which I guess in a mild, half@$$ed way I am, but think about it. I'm 25 and I can remember going to the gas station and seeing it for .87¢ a gallon. My wife and I both love to do our homework and we do it well and unbiased. From what we can see there is not a single realistic reason behind the current prices per gallon; only greed. I am sure that some of you can remember quite well the 70's. What are the differences between then and now.?.

Now, I'm far from being an expert and I won't tell anyone what to think. I will, however, let my opinion be known. Agree or disagree... I ask only that you think for yourself and know enough about your opinion and thoughts to defend them and defend them well.

X

 

I'm certainly no expert on the subject, but I can think of a few things that are different. You were born around 1986. According to Ask.com, the price of gas in the U.S. averaged around $1.25/gal in 1986. Adjusting for inflation, that would be around $2.25 today. So where's the remaining $1.50 - $1.75 going?
- Instability of the middle east oil-producing nations. Much more has to be spent on security, taxes or fees to the producer nations. Also, a voliltile market itself leads to increased prices. If you're not sure you can even get some gas tomorrow, you're probably willing to pay more for it today.
- Government regulations. Just the requirements by the State of California alone has caused the oil companies to invest billions in additional refinery technology. I've got a buddy who's a chemical / structural engineer for a major refiner in SoCal. He oversaw the purchase and installation of huge catalyst tower - and all it does is cut down the gas fumes that are emitted by the plant. In California they also have to reformulate the gas itself for lower emissions. Didn't have to do that in '86.

Not necessarily supporting the industry as a whole, but I do know the infrastructure investment is HUGE.

 

how did i know California is behind it, some way, somehow!
every pain in the rear for car lovers originates in California!
which is a shame. its a beautiful state and....as proven by Steve, there are a few sane people still living there.

 

LOL! That Riv is so huge, and that Smart car is so tiny!

David

 

A lot more demand from China and India are also playing a role.

 

My first car was a 1988 Suzuki Swift...
I have some pics but not digital, I think it's weight was approx 700 kilos.

 

Here's my Electra next to a 4door slap Daewoo (nowadays badged as Chevrolet here in Europe):



No I'm not cheating.. the Buick couldn't be parked any more forward:

 

Hey clammy.....which one is the Buick?

 

More Doors

And just think about it, that Dagwood has more doors!-----Yes, I know I spelled it incorrectly! You were even hedging a bit with your Buick!

 

I don't believe in parking spaces!

 

then i hope you don't believe in tickets!

 

The only ticket I ever got was for speeding. Besides, this is a small town, business owners know me and know that the Colony Park doesn't like to be confined to those yellow lines lol!

 

With a '58 Heinkel:

 

Harry, put the Heinkel in the trunk of the Buick and call it a spare car. Who needs a stinking spare tire?

 

Sorry for reviving an old thread (I subscribed to the forum today), but I can only agree on those ridiculously small parking spots in the Netherlands. They are both too short and too narrow, which makes parking with my '72 Kingswood Estate and my '69 Eldorado a real challenge.
And entering or exiting a parking garage? Forget about it. With entrances and exits that have hairpin bends it's nothing but impossible!
Geez, those left winged authorities in my country, those car haters, they are a real PITA ..