I've become a parking wanker - AIBU re school car parking.

[Hidinginthebath]

I bought a house right next to my children's primary school. I thought it was an excellent idea. But now I'm not too sure!

It's a new build and it's in a row of houses. It was wasteland/garages before with no access. It's a cul de sac. The developers built a shiny new road with private car parking spaces for each of the properties on the left of the row and visitor parking for about 2 cars on the right, which is right next to my house. We each pay £500 a year service for maintenance of the common areas, binstore, a back passage way, and the private road.

AIBU to be slightly miffed that school parents are now using it, basically as a schoolcar park? We have told them directly it's a private road and have been met with shrugs and even a 'there's no sign' (it hasn't been put up yet!).

AIBU? Am I a parking wanker? I wouldn't mind so much if it was a public road and I wasn't paying a hefty sum for it (for me, a LP with 3dcs)

Are they using the visitor parking, the street, or your privately allocated space?

All three! They park all over tbh.

You are not a PW the parents are CF's.

Get on to the developer to get a sign up ASAP.
And maybe discuss with others in cul de sac that you put cones across the end of private road before school run?

If it's a private road you can definitely cone it off whenever you want (as long as all your neighbours agree). They'll probably be fine with the idea as they'll either be out at work at school run time so won't care or as fed up as you are if they're in. And definitely nag the developer/management company to get your signage up asap!

Its hard to enforce anything if there are no signs to inform people of restrictons.

I also think it is a bit naive to buy near a school and not realise that parking will become an issue at school times!

I have exactly the same issue OP. They park on my private spaces, they block the road into/out of the cul de sac, they park on the pavement at the entrance which blocks the visibility of oncoming traffic. (There are even double yellows there!) I regularly contact the school and ask them to remind parents the parking is residents only. Other neighbours do to. I’ve also blocked a few people in when they’ve parked on my spaces. I’m ordering signs for my spaces so there is no doubt. There can’t be anyway as I have personalised the space.

Get a gate / barrier

Yes, definitely needs a sign.

I'm glad I'm not a PW. I feel like it but I'm also because I don't want it to become established that it's a school car park.

I’d gather evidence and keep reporting to the school and get the signs up showing it is private ASAP.

The parents who park in residential parking near schools are the parking wankers.

Some folk are so cheeky and entitled. Heaven forbid they or their children might have to walk for more than 30 seconds. It's a much better idea to get to school an hour early to have dibs on the inconsiderate neighbour parking. (No idea if they do that near you but where I used to live some parents would park up 45 mins to an hour before the end of the day to get the spot closest to school. I always felt they must have led empty lives).

I didn't actually anticipate it Sirzy as it was never used as parking as it's got its own entrance/exit and is separate. It's only since the developer made a private road that it has become a parking dream.

I sometimes work from home and I'm in and out all day on visits. And my work is right next to the school so it's a great location I don't know why I'm bothered as usually I'm pretty okay with parking etc but I guess it's because it's a pretty care road and I'll be stumping up if anyone damaged walls etc. I'm nervous about costs!

Loving the suggestions to keep reporting to school ! Staff are already up to their eyeballs in work, they are not car park attendants and it’s not their fault the parents are too lazy to walk!!

We live at the end of a cul de sac. It's not a private road, but the space at the end is for turning, not parking.

Doesn't stop cheeky fucker parents from using it. School sends out letters, it stops for a day, then they're back on the next wet day. They just do not give a shit - all they care about is being as close is as humanely possible to the school gate - god forbid their child has to walk the length of themselves.

And if you're the driver of the white discovery thing who routinely puts her daughter on a potty in the boot of your car with the tailgate down while you gab with your mate - JUST DON'T. It's vile.

Just came on to say, yes do report to the school, but there’s nothing the School can do except send out reminders. (I work in a school, regularly get calls from neighbours...)

It’s a huge pain for everyone.

At least you're paying a flat fee, so the additional wear and tear shouldn't impact you financially in theory. Unfortunately I can't imagine the council will be too keen to adopt it if they don't have to!

Do you really think a "Private Road" sign will stop this?

You know what you need OP?

PENGUIN BOLLARDS!!!

And where is the bloody diagram?

SBDB DD’s school obviously don’t have that much work as they have a name and shame system for cars that are constantly reported to them and they do write to the parents and follow it up. Completely agree it is not their fault though.

Hurray! I was waiting for the diagram request...

As it’s a private road could you put up some kind of gate?

Gate or bollards all the way. You give an inch and the CFs will take a mile. You may find these become the prized spaces and filled from 2.45 as by my school

Not by me...

Ooh yes bollards

Is there a way to maybe just have a chain that needs you to get out and move it or something? Or just a cheap cone?may cause enough inconvenience for the cheeky fuckers but then again also annoying for you

And if you're the driver of the white discovery thing who routinely puts her daughter on a potty in the boot of your car with the tailgate down while you gab with your mate - JUST DON'T. It's vile.