A daily game of dodgem cars

If you're a motorist with a daily commute, you will by now have noticed that the schools have returned from the summer holidays.
It's alright Jack!It's alright Jack!
It's alright Jack!

And you will also have noticed that a decent percentage of parents or others responsible for taking their little dears to school simply do not care about other road users or, indeed, pedestrians going about their daily business.

My drive to work goes close to five schools of various sizes and shapes.

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And already it has turned into something akin to a game of dodgems as inconsiderate parents double park, park on double yellow lines, park on the zig-zag areas close to schools which are specifically designed to keep children safe and, in one instance I spotted on Tuesday morning, park right on top of a zebra crossing.

That'll do!That'll do!
That'll do!

Family life first thing in the morning can be a real strain on parents and children alike.

Getting everybody ready to be out of the door with everything they need for the day ahead at the right time can be a real test.

Only the slightest delay can throw everything into a state of confusion, leaving everyone dashing to get out of the door, into the car and on their way to school.

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But that does not excuse parents who believe they are a law unto themselves and simply ditch their cars wherever they can to make sure that they are as close as humanly possible to the school gates.

That'll do!That'll do!
That'll do!

Most schools have “A boards” outside pleading with parents not to park close to them as the area is designed to keep their children safe.

I have, in the past, seen more than one car collide with an “A board” sending it flying across the pavement without a care for the safety of anyone else.

With the five schools I come close to there are at least six, if not seven, school crossing patrols.

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And I am always amazed at the parents who run the gauntlet of dodging traffic and dragging their little ones across the road rather than walk 20 yards or so and actually let the lollipop man or lady help them safely on their way to school.