Motorists using supermarket car parks at stores including Morrisons, Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's are being cautioned about little-known regulations that could result in a penalty charge alongside their weekly shop if they're not vigilant. Every supermarket car park features small signs displaying rules and regulations governing parking duration, permitted times and general terms and conditions.
Since the majority of supermarket car parks are free of charge, most shoppers give little thought to these conditions - yet they very much exist. One particularly obscure regulation concerns parent and child parking spaces.
What are parent and child parking spaces?
Virtually every supermarket provides dedicated bays for parents parking with children, previously referred to as mother and child spaces but now updated to accommodate fathers and other parents too. At Morrisons, for instance, these are designated as parent and toddler parking, reports the Express.
Age restrictions apply
What many drivers fail to appreciate is that numerous supermarket parent and child bays carry a strict age restriction. Once your child reaches 13, you're no longer entitled to use these spaces. Even if you're simply popping in for a loaf of bread and fancy parking closer to the entrance.
As Avalon Motor Co explains: "In almost all supermarket car parks, you'll find designated spaces for parent and child parking, and they're usually closer to the store doors to save parents having to cross more of the busy car park than is necessary. Whilst it can seem ambiguous as to who can park there, we're here to clear things up: you can park in a parent and child parking space if you're entering the shop with a child that is under 12 years old."
The age of 12 is used as the limit, as this is the age up to which a child must be secured in the vehicle using child restraints, such as child car seats. If you're going into the shop on your own and leaving a child with another adult in the car, you must use an ordinary parking space.
Penalties for misuse
Those found to be misusing these spaces could face a Parking Charge Notice. This is largely due to the fact that numerous supermarket car parks are operated by third-party firms, with some even deploying cameras to enforce the rules. Failure to settle the fine could ultimately result in a court appearance.
Drivers are therefore advised to always check the specific terms and conditions displayed in the car park and ensure they comply with age restrictions to avoid unexpected penalties.
