I’ve purchased so many things online, from vintage vinyl records to quirky home decor. Usually, this means arranging to meet somewhere to exchange money and the goods. It’s always a bit nerve-wracking, though, because you never know who you’ll be meeting or how safe the spot is. That’s why I was intrigued when I first noticed a handshake symbol on a parking space. What could it mean?
I discovered that in Pembroke, Ontario, certain parking spots now display this new symbol. Specifically, the areas outside the Pembroke OPP station at 77 International Dr. These spaces are designed to serve as community safety zones for online transactions. It’s a simple yet brilliant idea that addresses the common concerns many of us have when buying and selling items online.
Think about it. You find something you’ve been searching for ages, negotiate a price, and then comes the nerve-wracking part: arranging the meetup. You want a place that’s safe, public, and preferably under some kind of surveillance. But how often do we actually get that perfect combination? Not very often. And that’s where these handshake symbol parking spots come into play.
