Help Me Overcome Parking Lot Paranoia

[Heidi]

How about something like this? Not particularly attractive, but they go with the daycare theme, anyway.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3693074&mr:keyword=&mr:trackingCode=7D5C5167-7315-E311-A497-90E2BA285E75&mr:match=&mr:adType=pla&mr:filter=50483818846&cagpspn=plat_6341857&mr:referralID=NA&mr:ad=35201276086&mr:device=c&camp=PLAPPC-_-PID6341857&KPID=6341857

or

https://www.google.com/shopping/product/17134421249718222361?q=kids+playing+signs+for+driveway&rlz=1C1KAFA_enUS546US546&es_sm=93&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.65397613,d.aWw,pv.xjs.s.en_US.Cf9mlb6I5DA.O&biw=1242&bih=607&tch=1&ech=1&psi=bA9YU4OoFc2KyATgnILwCg.1398280135871.3&ei=0g9YU8DfEKP0yQHlyYCgAw&ved=0CIEBEKYrMAI

you could customize them somehow by putting your own "no parking" sign on their flag, and a t-shirt with your logo on them, even, or something else to cover the "slow" on this one.

[Blackcat31]

I would call the school. I know this is OFF site issues but it is caused by the school. Call them and tell them you are having an issue with parking. They can send out a memo to the students and parents letting them know that they are NOT to use off-site parking etc...

I would also consider calling a tow truck once or twice and maybe just ask him to sit in your parking space for a few minutes.... THAT might make them think twice.

If that fails, I would seriously call the tow truck on anyone parked there.

I am continually amazed at the entitlement people show towards others. Parking in fire lanes, private parking and in front of the front doors of somewhere is one of my biggest pet peeves. It is one of only a handful of things that raises my blood pressure.

You could always have the kids outside playing with permanent markers and oil based paints. If a car pulls up, let the kids paint on them. ::

[debbiedoeszip]

I don't know how much impact this tactic would have in your area, but if this was happening to me in my area (Ontario, Canada), I'd call the high school to complain and I'd also tell them that if they don't help resolve this problem that my next step is to go to the local news media and cry to them about how the high school's renovations are having a serious negative impact on your business (and the small children who spend their days at this business). Schools around here try to avoid negative press, especially when it's a high school's students bothering small children.

I'd also be seriously thinking about contacting the police and asking them what they think you should do about these trespassers.

If these measures fail, is it possible to have a friend or relative (who can be at your daycare at the right time) who can "police" your parking lot, turning away those who don't have any business on your property. It might only take a few weeks of parents not being able to use your lot before it's quiet again (they'll have found new p/u spots, and leave your property alone).

[spinnymarie]

I agree that I'd be calling hte school - and at the school the squeaky wheel gets the grease -- start with the principal and then start calling the administration and complaining and writing letters to the editor.
When I worked at school, if *anyone* came near to parking across a driveway of a home nearby, EVERYONE was notified immediately... because there was one specific neighbor who would complain. If the secretary at the school and the secretary at the administration building is tired of your calls, something will get done

[sharlan]

This would really irritate me.

I really doubt the highschool or school board would do anything about this.

I would stop by a local hardware store today and buy the plastic chain. Be sure to put flags or cones in front of it so the less attentive parents don't plow through it.

Inform your parents tonight that you are going to do this and to call if need be so you can let them in.

[Sugar Magnolia]

How about something like this? Not particularly attractive, but they go with the daycare theme, anyway.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3693074&mr:keyword=&mr:trackingCode=7D5C5167-7315-E311-A497-90E2BA285E75&mr:match=&mr:adType=pla&mr:filter=50483818846&cagpspn=plat_6341857&mr:referralID=NA&mr:ad=35201276086&mr:device=c&camp=PLAPPC-_-PID6341857&KPID=6341857

or

https://www.google.com/shopping/product/17134421249718222361?q=kids+playing+signs+for+driveway&rlz=1C1KAFA_enUS546US546&es_sm=93&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.65397613,d.aWw,pv.xjs.s.en_US.Cf9mlb6I5DA.O&biw=1242&bih=607&tch=1&ech=1&psi=bA9YU4OoFc2KyATgnILwCg.1398280135871.3&ei=0g9YU8DfEKP0yQHlyYCgAw&ved=0CIEBEKYrMAI

you could customize them somehow by putting your own "no parking" sign on their flag, and a t-shirt with your logo on them, even, or something else to cover the "slow" on this one.

Oh i like the flag one!! Make the flag say no parking! So now a Todd up between this and a chain.

[sharlan]

Oh i like the flag one!! Make the flag say no parking! So now a Todd up between this and a chain.

The parents will drive around the little guy. He's meant for everyone but them.

[TwinKristi]

I would most definitely call the school, the district office, the police... Find out what your rights are. Wouldn't this be like parking in someone's driveway? Our school had a real parking problem for awhile and had people supervising, passing out notes, etc. Sometimes the police would come by, like 3x a year so not much help from them. Parent were parking in driveways, blocking driveways, red zones, bus zones... It was awful! They sent notes home about it and asked parents not to park anywhere but x, y, z.
Fights between two minors at school and traffic enforcement are 2 different units here so I would try them again for sure. Go to city counsel meetings with pics/videos if you have to. This is an awful thing to deal with for a YEAR!!

[Heidi]

The parents will drive around the little guy. He's meant for everyone but them.

...you sound just like Nan!


I was thinking man....chain...man

[Sugar Magnolia]

I would call the school. I know this is OFF site issues but it is caused by the school. Call them and tell them you are having an issue with parking. They can send out a memo to the students and parents letting them know that they are NOT to use off-site parking etc...

I would also consider calling a tow truck once or twice and maybe just ask him to sit in your parking space for a few minutes.... THAT might make them think twice.

If that fails, I would seriously call the tow truck on anyone parked there.

I am continually amazed at the entitlement people show towards others. Parking in fire lanes, private parking and in front of the front doors of somewhere is one of my biggest pet peeves. It is one of only a handful of things that raises my blood pressure.

You could always have the kids outside playing with permanent markers and oil based paints. If a car pulls up, let the kids paint on them. ::

It is EXACTLY the entitlement part that flips my lid.
Sharlan, Spiny, Debbie......complaining to the school or police is truly a lost cause. They. Don't. Care. Period.

[NightOwl]

Could you use some type of temporary road block across the entrance during that time of day? (I'm picturing a chain suspended from two poles on heavy bases.)

This is exactly what I was thinking! Goes up quickly and can be taken down quickly when parents stay arriving.

[SignMeUp]

...you sound just like Nan!


I was thinking man....chain...man

~~~~~~~~~

[TwinKristi]

It is EXACTLY the entitlement part that flips my lid.
Sharlan, Spiny, Debbie......complaining to the school or police is truly a lost cause. They. Don't. Care. Period.

They may care if there's property damage. If someone almost knocked over your motorcycle today... Imagine 8 months from now!

Perhaps printing flyers and handing them out to people when they come in (and jot down their LP# & color/type of car) stating this private parking for ABC childcare only and if they continue to park in here legal action will be taken. It's private property and they cannot pull-in or park there. Period. If that continued to happen I would buy signage, put up chains/plastic guys, etc. That's just so much extra time only to prevent people from breaking the law.

[Play Care]

I agree with a chain. Community relations? The parents probably don't even notice or care where they are parking. If they have high schoolers, chances are very good they also don't have really little ones (yes, it can happen but it's not typical) Calling the school? Even if they did do something (and you already know they won't) the extent would be a notice home. We all know how often those get read - I imagine it's even worse once kids are in high school::

[Luna]

People used to park in our driveway at our last house all the time, so I feel your frustration. The police absolutely did not care unless the car was parked blocking the sidewalk, and the tow trucks would charge me $30 for the call unless they got the wheels off the ground, then they'd charge the car owner. Tow trucks probably aren't going to hang around your parking lot for free.
I would not let people park there. If someone got injured, would your insurance cover it?