Please turn off your engine while parked
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On the trip up to Byron Bay, we ordered ahead groceries from Woolworths. We followed Woollies’ instructions, which ask us to park in the “Direct to Boot” bays, turn off our engine and message to say “I’m here”. The car park is underground, and mostly sealed, so exhaust fumes have few escape routes, including the lungs of shoppers and staff. We waited quite a while, which is fine – I’m just grateful that they bring the shopping to our boot – a godsend after a long drive.
The big SUV in the waiting bay next to us just kept their engine running. Eventually, I put on my best friendly voice and asked them to turn off their engine. I pointed out that Woollies asks us to do that, and all their exhaust was just filling the confined area, including going back through their own car’s open hatch to their child in the back seat. They gave some mumbled acknowledgement “oh yeah”, hopped back into the car, closed the hatch, but kept their #%£* engine running. I just don’t understand how oblivious people are to poisoning themselves, their kids and all around.
Charging
The same car park has a bank of EV destination chargers (no exhausts), which we happened to use when we were here early last year. Excellent spot to charge. Also bikes for hire. It’s one of the few free car parks in Byron.
Related Posts
- Earlier the same day, at the Big Banana: Banana fritter and a Tesla test drive 15 Sep 2026
- Direct to Boot the last time, in Raymond Terrace: Direct-to-boot groceries in Raymond Terrace 19 May 2025
- Hunting for a charger in Byron Bay, early last year: Breakfast with Ric Richardson in Byron Bay 1 Mar 2025
- A motel asking the same thing — park nose-in, so rooms don't fill with exhaust: Bargain motel in Marulan 11 Sep 2026
- And the cabin we were driving to, with a charger at the door: Cabin with an EV charger 17 Sep 2026
Links
- Woolworths' own Direct to Boot instructions: Direct to Boot
Running a petrol or diesel engine in an enclosed or poorly ventilated underground car park can create a carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning risk.
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