Drivers using supermarket car parks at Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons this summer have been warned about a little-known age limit rule for parent and child parking bays. Experts at StartRescue caution that motorists who park in these designated spaces without a child aged 12 or under may be asked to move their vehicle or face fines.
What Are Parent and Child Parking Bays?
Parent and child parking bays are wider spaces located near store entrances, designed to provide extra room for manoeuvring pushchairs and safely strapping children into cars. StartRescue explained: “Rules among supermarkets vary when it comes to child/parent parking spaces. In general, to park in a child/parent parking space, you should be accompanied by a child aged 12 or less.”
Penalties for Misuse
Drivers who misuse these bays without a qualifying child may be publicly asked to move their vehicle via the supermarket's public address system. Refusal to comply could result in a fine. Morrisons confirmed its stores provide parent and toddler parking spaces, always located close to the entrance and clearly signposted.
Public Support for Enforcement
A poll of 1,000 UK motorists by Tiger.co.uk found that 51% support car park operators penalising drivers who wrongly use parent and child bays. Additionally, 63% of respondents reported witnessing drivers using these spaces without a child. Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and managing director at Tiger.co.uk, said: “Our research suggests many motorists are growing increasingly frustrated by drivers who ignore the rules when it comes to parent and child spaces, and there is strong support for more car park operators to take tougher measures to discourage motorists from abusing these reserved bays.”
