A school run mum blocked the driveway then refused to move when asked to

[DillyDallyDayDream]

I work a few doors down from a school/preschool as a nanny. The house has a doubled dropped kerb and double driveway.
I'd dropped my charge off at school and was getting the younger ones into the car when one of the preschool mums parked her huge 4x4 across the dropped kerb of the house I work in.
I asked her politely to move her car as I was going out and told her she can't legally block the driveway. She got quite arsey saying that she was late and there was no where else to park.
Was I being unreasonable to ask her to move??
Was I being unreasonable to report her to the local pcso after school whilst they were monitoring the parking?

[livingfortoday]

God that felt good

[TwoFacedCows]

offred, i must really drive you mad then!! since we currently have NO pfb! only 2 lovely dogs!

[Ginandtonicandamassageplease]

But what is unnecessary to one family might be wholly necessary to another. We have a second home and need a big car which can fit dog, children and all associated paraphernalia for the journey. We could have an estate car but a 4x4 is more comfortable. I do acknowledge that the higher bonnet might be more dangerous in an accident but I think you have to work on keeping your own family safe and there are so many accidents involving lorries that we felt that it was a good move for us.
I actually do make sure that I don't drive like a menace or park like an idiot as I don't want to live up to the stereotype.

[EverlongLovesHerChristmasRobin]

Oh I know that jack
I'm just convincing myself

[Offred]

No, so you are less likely to kill someone in an accident or inconvenience people with your pointlessly massive wealth symbol!

[TwoFacedCows]

but i would much rather keep myself and DH and my dogs safe.

[JackThePumpkinKing]

Offred - why does my MPV bother you, and more to the point... Why do you care?!

[Iggly]

I knew someone would say that Gin.

To me, it's because we all have to share road space. So if there are more big cars out there, it's harder for everyone. Otherwise I'm not bothered about lifestyle choices.

Most accidents are caused by driver error anyway. So poor drivers are protecting themselves and making it worse for others by driving tanks around. Not sure that's a good thing!

[Offred]

Thought I'd already expressed pity rather than being pissed off. It is sad that people can be so selfish.

We have 4 children btw and don't have a stupid car, also don't use a car for the school run/short distances.

[Ginandtonicandamassageplease]

Why is it more of a "wealth symbol" than say an Aston Martin or Bentley though? If I started a thread about a Bentley Continental hatred I bet I wouldn't get the same reaction.
I must say TwoFacedCows, you're not doing the 4x4 drivers any favours. It's not cool or very refined to use your ownership of one to lord it over everyone else. That is why people hate us!

[Offred]

I care because of the pollution and because of the danger posed by people driving cars. I also care about the inadequate driving skills of most drivers which put vulnerable road users at risk, a risk which is magnified the larger the car is. I see people who have unnecessarily large cars or who drive them because not driving is a "palaver" even though it would save them time and money and reduce pollution as selfish and inconsiderate.

[JackThePumpkinKing]

Everlong - help! I've been sucked in!

[Ginandtonicandamassageplease]

A fair point Iggly. Nice to be able to have a proper discussion without people getting grumpy!!

[TwoFacedCows]

Ginandtonicandamassageplease, i have heard enough of this 4X4s-are-driven-by-the-devil type shit! So could not careless what people think anymore!

[Ginandtonicandamassageplease]

But our 4x4's emissions are less than DH's sports car. What about hybrids? Porsche and Lexus both do one in a 4x4 model. Did you also k ow that when you buy a new Landrover you also have a pay a carbon offset charge?

[JackThePumpkinKing]

Offred - my MPV is a similar size to a VW Golf, just taller. Mileage is 50mpg. I can drive well and I can park. But, yes, one child and an MPV. Nice to know people are judging me though

[EverlongLovesHerChristmasRobin]

and PULL!

[Ginandtonicandamassageplease]

But I drive a 4x4 and think you are making yourself sound like a bit of a twit. That's got nothing to do with the car but to do with your attitude. It's not a tool to make you feel superior. It's just a car.

[Lueji]

People who have big people carriers for one pfb wind me up for the same reason.

Maybe they are planning a big family, or do carry more people (ILs, For example?)
Don't judge people!

[livingfortoday]

Some smaller 4x4 looking cars are not actually 4x4 driven, just 2wheel drive and therefore don't use as much fuel. Also a lot have better Eco use on them.

It amazes me re pollution argument as it depends on how you drive a car also, mileage and types of journeys made.

what if a family had a 4x4 with higher than average usage but didn't take foreign holidays ie flying abroad. It's pointless unless you can balance that argument out.

Many 4x4 look bigger just because they are higher up but actually don't take up much more space than saloons.

[Offred]

You aren't doing too well at defending your driving of one. No-one said "driven by the devil" I said selfish and inconsiderate of others and you seemed to agree with that assessment when you said showing off about having money by driving a ridiculously impractical car was more important to you than the safety or consideration of other and more vulnerable road users two.

I think maybe a few people who love those admiring glances they get when they drive their stupid cars don't realise a lot of people will actually be thinking "twat"... But they are just jealous you are so wealthy aren't they?

[Iggly]

Yes Gin, I agree!

All the stuff about mileage, environmentally friendly etc - I'm not bothered really.

I'd just like everyone to drive properly and be considerate of other road users.

[JackThePumpkinKing]

Phew.

No arguing with people, is there.

[Lueji]

Answering the op:
No
No

[onyx72]

Offred - please explain how walking to school when I don't have to is going to save me time. Or save me money when I still have to drive my car after walking to and from school.