Shoppers across the UK are being urged to check the rules after a stark warning was issued about the use of parent and child parking bays at major supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Lidl, and Morrisons.
Many drivers risk landing a hefty fine by incorrectly using these designated spaces, often unaware that a specific age limit is in place.
What Are the Official Rules?
According to motoring organisation the RAC, these priority bays are reserved solely for parents and guardians travelling with children under the age of 12.
The RAC provided clear guidance, stating: “Parent and child bays are reserved for parents or guardians with one or more children under 12 years old.”
The organisation also addressed a common area of confusion, noting: “It’s unclear whether pregnant women can use the spaces and it is probably best to ask an individual store manager what their rules are.”
While misusing a bay is not a criminal offence, drivers can still be penalised. The RAC confirmed: “While it isn’t illegal to park in a parent and child bay if you don’t have a child under 12 with you, you could be hit with a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).”
Risk of Fines and Confrontation
The financial consequence for ignoring the rules can be significant. EMG Motor Group highlighted that drivers could receive a fine of up to £100 for improper use.
They advised: “If you’re confused as to the rules in a particular car park, it’s worth checking with the store or destination that you’re parking at, so that you don’t risk a fine being slapped on your windscreen.”
The RAC has also cautioned motorists against taking matters into their own hands. They warn that directly confronting a driver who is misusing a bay could escalate into a hostile situation.
Instead, they recommend: “In the frustrating event that you spot someone misusing a parent and child bay, it's best to talk to a store manager. Approaching somebody using a dedicated bay without young passengers could lead to a hostile situation, so try not to get carried away by the injustice of it all!”
How Widespread is the Misuse?
Evidence suggests that the misuse of these bays is a common problem. A June 2022 online poll by Confused.com, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults, revealed some telling statistics.
The poll found that nearly one in ten (9%) road users without children admitted to having used the dedicated parking spaces when they should not have.
Perhaps more surprisingly, a staggering 36% of those surveyed justified their actions by stating they only used the bays because there were plenty of other parent and child spaces available at the time.
For disabled drivers, the message is clear: they should always use the dedicated bays for Blue Badge holders, which are subject to their own separate and legally enforceable rules.
