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AIBU?

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Original poster

One of nursery staff left their car running

316 replies

EnglishBrits · 06/05/2026 09:07

Whilst she went into side to drop of her children. It was off nursery premises and she works part time and children attend the nursery as well.

Aibu to report it? She does it daily.

OP posts:
KilkennyCats · 06/05/2026 10:36

Was there a toddler in the car that you feared might take it on a joyride, op?

Dollymylove · 06/05/2026 10:31

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 06/05/2026 10:14

No one should be leaving their car idling. But no worse that she did it than anyone else.

Zanatdy · 06/05/2026 10:12

Presumably due to the fumes and toddlers walking nearby.

igelkott2026 · 06/05/2026 10:11

Catza · 06/05/2026 09:17

To all surprised people: it is illegal to have the car idling when stationary on any public road (Road traffic act 1988). If you have a deriving license you should be aware of it. Not sure where you'd report though. Technically she can (and should!) be fined, although fines are way too small and are probably never enforced.

Yes it happens where I live. People arrive to collect their kids from school about an hour ahead of time (I am sure they could walk in far less time!), park on the pavement and leave their engines running.

Clearly fuel isn't expensive enough yet!

neilyoungismyhero · 06/05/2026 10:01

Maybe she's got a dodgy battery or starter motor

inmyhair · 06/05/2026 09:56

Can't you just offer to help her instead? Maybe take her kid into the nursery so she doesn't have to do that with the car.

When did we become so critical and unhelpful towards each other?

GenialHarrietGrouty · 06/05/2026 09:53

I guess you could tell the police this is happening every day. It would be an easy conviction for them to get.

PullyDog · 06/05/2026 09:52

in before it turns out there was 3 dogs and a baby left inside

StudyinBlue · 06/05/2026 09:47

The offence committed is called ‘quitting’. I’m concerned so many people on here don’t seem to realise it’s an offence. But no I wouldn’t report. She may learn her lesson though if it gets stolen.

Full offence here.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1986/1078/regulation/107

Roaminginthegloaming · 06/05/2026 09:47

My car is a Hyundai Kona (non-plug in hybrid) and the engine is super quiet when idling.

On more than one occasion I’ve put the car in ‘Park’ mode, pulled the parking brake lever…..and then got out of the car, totally forgetting to press the ON/OFF switch. Actually I left my car running in my driveway for about 30 minutes one day without realising.

It never happened when I had other cars where you actually put the car key in the ignition.

Perhaps this is what happened when the mum was dropping her kids off?

TY78910 · 06/05/2026 09:45

SeaShellsSanctuary1 · 06/05/2026 09:13

At what point did it say children were left in car

Show quote history

That’s what I was just thinking.

What do you want to report? That she’s draining her fuel in a fuel crisis 🤣 report her to your nearest petrol station please 🙏🏻

Sprinkleofspice · 06/05/2026 09:44

I would be surprised if the council or police have time to investigate it. How long does it take to drop off her kids? It’s stupid because someone can just come and drive her car away, but I think all you can do is tell her it’s illegal, maybe she doesn’t realise. Or maybe she doesn’t care if it’s an electric car?

Chatsbots · 06/05/2026 09:42

Meh, just move it whilst she's inside....

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 06/05/2026 09:40

MigGirl · 06/05/2026 09:17

Well she's an idiot, someone could just come and steal her car. But I'm not sure it's illegal 🤔

It is illegal.

Tablesandchairs23 · 06/05/2026 09:40

Idling vehicles are illegal. Council officers have to witness it to give an Fpn. If I were you id just mind my own business.

Loulou4022 · 06/05/2026 09:39

As long as she’s not leaving any children in the car then i don’t see what the problem is?? It’s on her if her car gets nicked and her insurance are u likely to pay out if she left the keys in it!

Ohthatsabitshit · 06/05/2026 09:20

Presumably it is hard to start, but by all means get her to turn it off so she can fail to get to where she needs to be.

Legomania · 06/05/2026 09:19

BreakingBroken · 06/05/2026 09:14

What does “into side” mean?

🙄

Catza · 06/05/2026 09:18

MigGirl · 06/05/2026 09:17

Well she's an idiot, someone could just come and steal her car. But I'm not sure it's illegal 🤔

it is

CupcakeDreams · 06/05/2026 09:17

Yes, you should report it and tell everyone it was you so they know that you're ridiculous and shun you from all social events.

MigGirl · 06/05/2026 09:17

Well she's an idiot, someone could just come and steal her car. But I'm not sure it's illegal 🤔

TheSmallAssassin · 06/05/2026 09:17

MidnightPatrol · 06/05/2026 09:11

What’s her crime here?

It is actually illegal to leave your car idling unnecessarily. Though I don't think it matters whether you are inside it or not.

Catza · 06/05/2026 09:17

To all surprised people: it is illegal to have the car idling when stationary on any public road (Road traffic act 1988). If you have a deriving license you should be aware of it. Not sure where you'd report though. Technically she can (and should!) be fined, although fines are way too small and are probably never enforced.

maudelovesharold · 06/05/2026 09:17

Presumably she wants to report that the car is left belching fumes next to a.nursery? It’s illegal to leave your car with the engine running in the uk. Also to sit in the car with it idling when you are parked up.