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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Ice Cream Van being parked almost opposite school - AIBU?

146 replies

CleverCatty · 24/03/2021 15:16

I've noticed that over Lockdown an Ice Cream Van has been parked almost opposite the school gates and most days from 2pm onwards (so when the nursery finishes for the day it's there and then when school ends).

The van used to be parked further down the road on which I live but has obviously moved further, nearer to the school?

AIBU that it shouldn't be every day or am I just being a Moaning Minnie?

OP posts:
Comefromaway · 24/03/2021 15:18

Is it parked in a way that makes it unsafe for children to cross the road or does it block the road for other road users?

NameChangedForThisFeb21 · 24/03/2021 15:18

Just parked there or selling?

SeasonFinale · 24/03/2021 15:19

Why wouldn't a business maximise its potential? It is not on school property and as long as it acts within the law so what if it is there every day. You make a choice whether or not to use it.

If you went by a newsagent every day en route to school would you expect it to close during that period? It is the same thing.

WithTeaTree · 24/03/2021 15:19

Is it causing an obstruction?

Original poster
CleverCatty · 24/03/2021 15:20

@Comefromaway

Is it parked in a way that makes it unsafe for children to cross the road or does it block the road for other road users?
Doesn't block the road - but is parked very close to the new zebra crossing which is near the now closed school gates.

For me - it's encouraging kids to eat fatty, sweet, ice cream more often than they would otherwise.

my neighbour with 3 DC under 10 was on such good terms with him last summer that he invited her to a BBQ (when it was allowed) at his house!

OP posts:
Original poster
CleverCatty · 24/03/2021 15:20

@NameChangedForThisFeb21

Just parked there or selling?
selling
OP posts:
bloodywhitecat · 24/03/2021 15:20

Takes me back to my childhood, although in my day the ice cream van sold more single cigarettes than ice cream cones! It is not something that would bother me to be honest.

LagneyandCasey · 24/03/2021 15:21

There was always one outside my dc school in the nice weather. We used to get ice cream on Fridays as a treat.

They've had a terrible year and desperately need the income. So long as they don't cause issues with queues or crossing the road.

Chasingsquirrels · 24/03/2021 15:21

@SeasonFinale

Why wouldn't a business maximise its potential? It is not on school property and as long as it acts within the law so what if it is there every day. You make a choice whether or not to use it.

If you went by a newsagent every day en route to school would you expect it to close during that period? It is the same thing.

This
Original poster
CleverCatty · 24/03/2021 15:21

@SeasonFinale

Why wouldn't a business maximise its potential? It is not on school property and as long as it acts within the law so what if it is there every day. You make a choice whether or not to use it.

If you went by a newsagent every day en route to school would you expect it to close during that period? It is the same thing.

see previous threads on here and on NM have criticised this being so close to the school and every day.

I don't really mind... I just think he's preying a bit on kids and parents though I suppose if they can't go shops as easily as before it must be ok.

OP posts:
Comefromaway · 24/03/2021 15:21

As long as its not on the zig zag lines then it is fine.

WithTeaTree · 24/03/2021 15:22

Doesn’t really bother me to be honest. Kids like ice cream, they sell ice cream. Makes sense to park there. Up to the parents to say no and ensure it’s in moderation.

WilsonMilson · 24/03/2021 15:22

They’re running a business ffs.

You’re honestly objecting to an ice cream van selling ice cream? Surely it’s up to parents to say no if they feel their kids have had enough treats. You can’t blame the ice cream man for trying to make a living.

Donatella · 24/03/2021 15:22

I don't see the problem unless it's causing an obstruction. If parents don't want to buy an ice cream they can say no to their kids. If they have issues saying no then that's a parenting problem, not the fault of the person who is just trying to earn a living.

NameChangedForThisFeb21 · 24/03/2021 15:22

YADBU

It’s a business. Parents can say no.

Sycamoretrees · 24/03/2021 15:22

Good grief, do you not have any compassion for people's businesses that have been badly hit by the pandemic? Or understand that as a parent you have the power to say no if you don't want to buy your child something?

toffeebutterpopcorn · 24/03/2021 15:23

Oooo maybe it’s selling fags and drugs to the kiddies (I remember the Glasgow ice cream wars).

Original poster
CleverCatty · 24/03/2021 15:23

@LagneyandCasey

There was always one outside my dc school in the nice weather. We used to get ice cream on Fridays as a treat.

They've had a terrible year and desperately need the income. So long as they don't cause issues with queues or crossing the road.

I do think they should be parked further down only because a zebra crossing is almost directly opposite where the van is parked - and it's down a steep hill. if kids rush to cross at zebra crossing and cars don't stop in time there could be an accident.

I cringe at the name though too - it's 'Uncle .....' vomit.

OP posts:
minniemoocher · 24/03/2021 15:24

Ice cream vans have always parked near schools, just say no if you don't want your kids having them, I did!

Original poster
CleverCatty · 24/03/2021 15:24

@Sycamoretrees

Good grief, do you not have any compassion for people's businesses that have been badly hit by the pandemic? Or understand that as a parent you have the power to say no if you don't want to buy your child something?
I'm not a parent Wink
OP posts:
Original poster
CleverCatty · 24/03/2021 15:25

@WilsonMilson

They’re running a business ffs.

You’re honestly objecting to an ice cream van selling ice cream? Surely it’s up to parents to say no if they feel their kids have had enough treats. You can’t blame the ice cream man for trying to make a living.

I guess they either didn't park there before or not to this extent. and of course I'm WFH mostly now so didn't see them before.
OP posts:
CuriousaboutSamphire · 24/03/2021 15:25

So... they ar there, as they have always been, to sell to their target audience. A target audience that doesn't carry spare cash or call the shots!

I can't see the problem. They won't be giving ice cream away and kids can be told no! SHOULD be told no!

I just think he's preying a bit on kids and parents Mmmm! That would apply to those well placed dinky little coffee vans, food vans in laybys, all shops come to think of it. Damn, they just sit there, right in front of you... waiting... preying...

Sandgrown1970 · 24/03/2021 15:26

This is normal directly outside schools in my (seaside) town, especially now there are no tourists. They are earning a living. Don’t personally see the issue.

We had one outside my school everyday in high school. I occasionally would treat myself on a Friday. They sold sweets and hot and cold drinks too. Was never overweight or unhealthy.

Should chip shops not be allowed to open next to a school? Newsagents near schools banned from selling food to children? You are being completely ridiculous OP. It’s up to parents to say no here.

Comefromaway · 24/03/2021 15:26

If you're not a parent then why on earth are you giving this headspace? Those of us who are parents see nothing much wrong.

WithTeaTree · 24/03/2021 15:26

Do they still sell cider lollies or is that not a thing any longer?