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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

School parking

49 replies

Howdidido · 12/02/2020 14:37

Inspired by numerous other threads my DC starts school in September. I work from home 2 days so would walk DC to and from school those days, but the other days will then have to drive on to work after dropping her off. I know round the school at drop off and pick up time is crazy so I was thinking of parking near the school the night before and walking home. Then walking there in the morning, to then drive to work straight from there.
School is 10-15mins walk away and my commute is an hour so would add a fair amount if I walked back home to get the car.
Does this sound reasonable? I'd do it reasonably late so most people who loved round there would be home and parked already so hopefully not taking anyone's space.

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forgivemeimnew · 12/02/2020 14:41

Is there not somewhere that you can park which is only say a 5 minute walk to school?

I work 2 days a week and on those days I have to drive straight to school pick up due to time, I just park a little further away and walk (or speed walk usually thanks to traffic getting home)

Stressedout10 · 12/02/2020 14:43

If it's anything like round here you would find yourself blocked in by other parents.
Could you drive part way and walk the rest to save time?

Giroscoper · 12/02/2020 14:44

Please don't do that.

I used to park away from school so that my children could get their scooters out of the boot and have a little scoot to school. That way I avoided all the crazy ass parking.

We still parked there rain or shine, that is what waterproof trousers and wellies are for, and a novelty umbrella

Was about a 5 minute walk away from school.

my2bundles · 12/02/2020 14:49

I would just walk back home. Probably quicker than trying to get your car out at the same time as all the other parents parked up.

Original poster

Howdidido · 12/02/2020 14:50

I wasnt planning on parking right outside the school- just close enough to not have to walk home and then drive past the school again to work.

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Knitwit99 · 12/02/2020 14:55

I know what you mean, on the days I drive it does seem stupid to walk back for the car.

Now I just drop him off just up the street and he jumps out and walks in on his own and I drive off. But when he was smaller I stopped 5 minutes walk away where there was plenty of space. Most parents are fighting to get right outside the gate so if you're happy to walk 5 minutes you should be fine.

But failing that, yes I would consider parking the night before. If that works for you I think it's fine.

SD1978 · 12/02/2020 14:55

I have to something similar once a week- so I'd say yes, as long as you weren't blocking anyone in. School parking is a nightmare- I have a very tight pickup- swimming lessons straight after school a bit if a drive away. Park close and leave on time; or be late. I also work night shift so can't park up 1-2 hours earlier than school finishes to be able park near. So I finish night shift, park outside the school (safely and legally) go home and sleep and then walk round. If it's the only way to get to work- I say do it:

my2bundles · 12/02/2020 14:57

You've obviously already made your mind up so just do what you want.

Bibidy · 12/02/2020 14:57

I couldn't be doing with that...I'd rather just power walk and turn the 10 mins back home into 7/8 and then hop in the car there.

Original poster

Howdidido · 12/02/2020 15:13

I haven't made up my mind... shes not at school for another 8 months!
It was just a thought I was having.
Walking back and then driving past the school would add 20-25 mins. I could park 5 mins walk past the school instead. I really don't mind walking! In fact, I'd rather walk every day but I'm just trying to find a way to shave 20mins off my potential commute!

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Original poster

Howdidido · 12/02/2020 15:15

*20-25 mins is an exaggeration!
But school time does mean the roads near the school are horrible!

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Original poster

Howdidido · 12/02/2020 15:16

In fact I definitely have to walk to school as have to drop other DC at nursery on the way and that would be a stupidly short distance to drive!

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SD1978 · 12/02/2020 15:18

And don't forget driving back past the school- still could end up with clogged with traffic so it's not necessarily just an extra hour hour on your commute. General consensus always seems to be inconvenience yourself for everyone and walk an extra 5 miles in the rain.......but clearly that's not what most people do if there are continual jams at school. Parking 5 minutes away, spending less time tuning around in the morning- it's a no brainer to me!

ProfessorSlocombe · 12/02/2020 15:19

You may want to run it by your insurance, if you have told them your car is parked at overnight most days.

Iminaglasscaseofemotion · 12/02/2020 15:21

Or you could just get up 10 or 15 mins earlier and walk to school and back

Iminaglasscaseofemotion · 12/02/2020 15:22

I wouldn't leave my car parked at the school. Either deal with the drop off craziness or walk. Don't take spaces of the people wh live around the school for the whole night. I'm surprised anyone would even think of this, what's the point?

BrimfulofSasha · 12/02/2020 15:24

I don't think local residents would be too pleased.
It's permit parking where I live so you just couldn't do this.

Comefromaway · 12/02/2020 15:30

I'd do it as long as it was legal and safe to park.

BlackCatSleeping · 12/02/2020 15:31

It just depends on the area whether it's feasible or not. Maybe do a couple of trial runs and see how it goes.

BentBastard · 12/02/2020 15:31

A couple of the primaries in my area have drop off systems whereby a staff member whips the children out of the car and the driver proceeds on their way. It usually works very well but of course depends upon a willing staff member and a sensible drop off point available.

Original poster

Howdidido · 12/02/2020 15:33

I would be dropping DD as early as possible so couldnt get there earlier
It's only permit after 8am so would be fine and avoiding pissing off locals is why I'm asking- and why I'd go after hopefully everyone was home.

I need to walk to school as two drop offs so cant do the drive in and out
I'm trying to avoid adding 15-20mins onto my already long commute.
I will be getting to DDs school as early as possible
Any suggestions that work with those?

Parking near school (not just outside!) Was just an idea. But seems like a bad one.

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Lipperfromchipper · 12/02/2020 15:38

Our school has an actual parents car park!! THANK GOD!! The only rule is that we must reverse park...it’s very civilized really. I park, hop out, help my dc out pit on coats, bags etc and walk them to the gate...all of 40 odd steps MAX! Same on collection....there’s Plenty of space for all so there’s no rush either...it’s great!!

BentBastard · 12/02/2020 15:44

Bear in mind with your planned parking 5 minutes onward from school you will be cutting short your morning commute but increasing your evening commute because of the 20 minute walk home from where you've parked the car. So you're not really making a saving, your just moving the added commute time to evening rather than morning, if that makes sense?

victoriashleigh · 12/02/2020 15:46

If you think it will work best for you, the least you can do is try it a few times and see how it goes.

I respect that you’re going to park later when most of the residents are home. As someone who lives near a tube station with no permits, we often have people parked in here for days, sometimes weeks, and then you’ll see them return with their suitcases and never see them again. I think people drive as far as us, use it as free parking, and take the tube to the airport or more central London for their trip. At least you’ll be moving often and won’t be parked for weeks at a time.

Original poster

Howdidido · 12/02/2020 15:47

@BentBastard yes. But I'd be doing it in the evening after the kids are in bed. A 15 min walk time to myself then could be quite nice!
And DH does pick ups so I dont have to worry about that!

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