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Original poster

Parking around school

106 replies

Tommy · 19/01/2006 10:34

Any experience out there of organised school parking? Our school is a big primary, near to city centre with only street parking around it. Parents are always getting into trouble for blocking drives, parking on restricted areas etc and situation is, IMO, potentially dangerous for the children.
I have been set the task of trying to find some solutions (from governing board - I am a Foundation Gov)so I thought I'd see if anyone else has done anything similar - eg any assistance from local council re parking in restricted areas for drop off or pick ups?
Personally, I think more people should walk/use public transport or walking bus but I am a SAHM who lives 10 mins walk away so I appreciate that it's not quite so easy for others.
Any ideas or suggestions gratefully received

OP posts:
Marina · 19/01/2006 10:36

Have you explored the possibility of any under-used daytime parking in the area? I am thinking particularly of pubs and clubs or restaurants who might have their own parking spaces.
We have a social club near us that is thankfully moribund most of the time (old geezers in brown nylon jackets is about as exciting as it gets) and has an enormous car park. Our school has made an approach to them as the car park stays empty all day and is only half-full in the evenings.

RTKangaMummy · 19/01/2006 10:38

My road has no pavement and so can't walk to school

so we go early and park safely

but DS school is not on a through road -- farm at the end of road

we are sort of in countryside/town border

so different situation

what aboutg walking buses??????

Kelly1978 · 19/01/2006 10:38

I wish they cud invent some sort of drive thru, where we could all pick our kids up like a macdonalds, without having to stop and park the car. Solution - no more traffic!

Kelly1978 · 19/01/2006 10:39

rtkm, that sounds like dd school. Has stud farm and a golf course at the end. Is a nightmare, as their is no turning space except at the school gate, and u really need a 4x4 for the bottom half of it.

RTKangaMummy · 19/01/2006 10:40

order your child at 1st window and collect with coat on and bag packed etc at the next window

deffo brill idea !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RTKangaMummy · 19/01/2006 10:42

I get there early and do 3 point turn so am parked facing out when other parents arrive

= happy kanga

Original poster
Tommy · 19/01/2006 10:43

agree Kelly! Chuck them out of the card door while driving slowly past
There is a pub with a car park quite near - I had forgotten about that - I might phone them later. The football ground used to be opposite and we used their car park but it was knowcked down and there are houses there now.
RT - I think a walking bus is a good idea but the parents aren't keen apparently. TBH, I think most parents just want to do exactly what is convenient for them and not the school as a whole (may duck and run for cover now) but I was talking to a Dad recently there who said "Well, I used to drive but there was no-where to park, so we walk now" They live about 10 minutes walk away Cannot understand why people don't want their children to get a bit of exercise and "fresh" air.

OP posts:
Original poster
Tommy · 19/01/2006 10:43

the card door?
car obviously.....

OP posts:
Avalon · 19/01/2006 10:48

Staggered leaving times for the kids, so there's less demand for parking at any one time?

Kelly1978 · 19/01/2006 10:49

rtkm, I try to do that too, but don't always make it! But I a norty mum who drives a 4x4 so I can do the three point off road.

Kelly1978 · 19/01/2006 10:49

that a good idea avalon.

RTKangaMummy · 19/01/2006 10:53

mine is 4 x 4 too

It is much more relaxing to get there early and leave before the madness

i think the pub carpark is db idea

Original poster
Tommy · 19/01/2006 11:00

there are quite a lot of families at the school with children in different year groups so that probably wouldn't work, Avalon but thanks anyway!
Will stroll round to the pub later and ask them - probably better than phoning perhaps (and have a swift half while I'm there )
My DH reckons we need to get the idea of a "park and walk" scheme into people's minds so a mini walking bus from the pub car park or something so all the parents wouldn't have to leave their cars there while they walked their children to school.
Will keep thinking and any more ideas gratefully received!

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Kelly1978 · 19/01/2006 11:06

the only thing is, I wouldn't want my dd on a walkign bus at all if it was raining. I wonder if ppl could be encouraged to sort a car share scheme out. I have room for two more in my car, and would happily car share with somebody.

Original poster
Tommy · 19/01/2006 11:08

why not Kelly? Wouldn't you put them in a rain coat?

OP posts:
Kelly1978 · 19/01/2006 11:11

I could put her in a raincoat, but she'd still end up wet - she'd jsut dive for the nearest puddle or fall over. She always does when it's raining. When we did used to walk to school I had to take extra trousers for her, and spare shoes. I'd rather she stayed dry.

foxinsocks · 19/01/2006 11:13

I put mine in wellies and put their shoes in their book bag so they can change when they get to school

homemama · 19/01/2006 11:14

I think you need to hold a meeting for parents to explain the importance of getting something done.
I have worked in schools before that have received letters from the council threatening to fine us if parents continue to park badly in the street outside. We also had the street residents get so fed up with their drives being blocked that they spent a week all parking their cars on the street rather than in their drive so there was absolutely nowhere for parents to park. Parents had the cheek to complain!

I think the pub car park thing is a good idea. Or an organised rota for car shares.

Original poster
Tommy · 19/01/2006 11:16

we have a very big catchment area (it's a Catholic school) and some parents are as willingot compromise as some obviously. Thanks for all these great ideas though - it's given me something to think about. Keep'em coming!

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foxinsocks · 19/01/2006 11:16

I've got to nip out to school in a minute but I'd be quite interested to hear how you get on Tommy. Although we are not in a city centre, our primary school is a big one and we are around 10 mins walk away and I notice several families drive from nearer than us to the school (and then drive back home and park their cars again!).

homemama · 19/01/2006 11:16

Gosh Kely, I'm one of those teachers that ignores the concept of wet play unless it's absolutely pouring. Anything else and I drag them all out!

Bozza · 19/01/2006 11:19

They are trying to set up a walking bus at our school. I won't be sending DS on it for the following reasons:

He is at CM's 3 days a week and then it is really up to her whether they walk or drive. They generally walk these days but occasionally drive.

He is only in reception and on the two days I can collect him/take him its nice to have that contact with the school, see the new displays, chat to his friends etc.

It is only a few minutes walk.

DD enjoys getting out too.

And (just for Kelly ) I think it does him good to get rained on occasionally. Although that's not really a reason because obviously the walking bus would get rained on also.

Kelly1978 · 19/01/2006 11:22

what evil mothers u are, dd abs hates the rain, she would have a fit!

Bozza · 19/01/2006 11:22

If parents are not prepared to allow their children to get rained on occasionally you will never solve the parking issue.

There is a pub near our school where parents used to informally park until they put a big chain across the entrance of a morning. Really helpful, that was.

Marina · 19/01/2006 11:23

"there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing", is what I was brought up on.
I must admit we walk or bus all over London in all weathers, and to school (which really is just round the corner, so we are very lucky).
We are close enough to be affected sometimes by some really STUPID and selfish parents though and we know that from talking to neighbours less is thought of our school for not being tough enough on the minority who block access or park right on busy junctions