@BiggestJulie. I would suggest your last paragraph above could instead read:
I do repeat, however, that it is not of itself wrong to raise the issue of (potentially) unnecessary car journeys, particularly around schools, and that if the journey is unnecessary then it is everyone’s business.
It IS wrong though to assume that people who drive short distances are lazy. And that was the basis for, and the sum total of, the OP's posts.
Her sole concern was that the woman was lazy for not walking like everybody else. OP did not express concern about congestion, or parking, or obesity, or pollution. She just had a whine that the driver wasn't doing things the right way so therefore she was lazy and this laziness was annoying to OP. The possibility of an illness, disability or any other valid reason for driving was simply dismissed.
Then a good number of people jumped on the bandwagon to give a kicking to those who drive short distances regardless of need.
That's why I said the thread had ableist comments.
And that's why your support of the OP (and in particular, saying that she deserved the benefit of the doubt despite her comments) has unintentionally caused upset. Suggesting those with a disability or health issue should assume the best of someone who has made nasty ableist comments is not going to be universally appreciated. That you think there should be carve outs for those with disabilities is appropriate of course, but in this context does not solve the issue I've raised.
Appreciate the apology though, and no hard feelings. And like I said, we're on the same page around car overuse generally.