Drivers stopping at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons this summer could be hit with a £100 parking bill for using parent and child bays without a child under 12 in the car. Amanda Roscoe, signage and print expert at Carrick Signs, has warned that although misuse rarely results in a legal fine, many supermarket car parks operate their own private parking rules that can lead to charges of £60 to £100.
Parent and child bay rules explained
Roscoe said parent and child spaces are among the most debated signs in supermarket car parks. “People often see an empty space and think they'll only be a few minutes, but these bays are there to make life easier for parents who need extra room for car seats, buggies and getting children in and out of the car safely,” she said.
The bays are reserved for drivers accompanied by someone under the age of 12. While misuse does not usually lead to a legal fine, Roscoe noted that some supermarket car parks have their own rules and can issue private parking charges. “These are often around £60 to £100 if a driver breaches the terms displayed on the signs,” she added.
Private parking firms and their rules
The RAC previously stated: “Supermarket car parks are private property. Any rules about their use will be enforced by the supermarket themselves or by a private firm allocated to manage them.” The motoring organisation added that many of these firms are members of the British Parking Association (BPA) and must adhere to the organisation’s operator scheme code of practice. If a car park operator is not a BPA member, they could be registered with an alternative Accredited Trade Association (ATA).
Drivers should therefore check the signage at each supermarket car park to understand the specific terms and conditions, as charges can be issued for breaching those terms, including using parent and child bays without an eligible child.
NHS parking exemptions for blue badge holders
Separately, drivers should remember that blue badge holders are exempt from paying for parking at NHS sites if they are a patient, visitor or employee of the hospital trust. Exemptions also apply to outpatients who attend hospital appointments at least three times a month, night-shift hospital workers starting after 7.30pm and ending before 8am, and parents or guardians of children under 18 staying in hospital overnight. In these cases, up to two vehicles can park for free from 7.30pm to 8am.
