Yahoo News Two in five parents admit to 'lazy' school-run habit that winds up other mums and dads
Two in five parents have owned up to a "lazy" habit when it comes to the school run, which has been causing frustration among other parents. The survey questioned parents on their methods of getting to their children's schools at pick-up time.
A significant 40% admitted they drive their kids to school despite being within walking distance. This habit contributes to unnecessary congestion and an excess of vehicles parked around school premises, not to mention the additional pollution from those who could opt to walk but choose to drive instead.
This behaviour not only exacerbates parking issues for those who must drive but also increases traffic and congestion in the vicinity of schools. Many schools across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire experience issues at pick-up and drop-off times including Harpfield Primary Academy in Hartshill, St John's Primary School in Keele and Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy, in Blurton.
READ: Traffic wardens target school-run parents at Stoke-on-Trent academy New parking restrictions have been installed outside Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy, in Blurton
READ: 'Safeguarding' warning as school-run parents cause parking chaos Parents at St John's Primary School, in Keele, are being blamed for the parking chaos on Quarry Bank Road
These revelations have led to calls for parents to reconsider their need to drive during the school run.
The research was undertaken by 100Green in line with Walk to School Week, an initiative that promotes walking over driving to enhance air quality and alleviate traffic problems. While many parents might choose the car for convenience during the hectic morning hours, there is a push for families to evaluate if the car journey is truly necessary.
Amy Barker, head of marketing at 100Green, expressed: "We have many parents in the team who fully understand the daily school-run struggle, and we often wish we were a little bit calmer and a little bit more organised about it. We also recognise that UK parents contribute quite significantly to the rush hour emissions each day - and not all of us necessarily need to.", reports Birmingham Live.
She continued: "This got us thinking ahead of Walk to School Week; what positive environmental impact could we have - if those of us that can - stop driving our kids to school? Our research results suggested we could all make a big difference. However, as all parents know, it is not easy to find that little bit of extra time each morning to get out of the driving habit."
