A survey of 1,000 UK drivers conducted by Tiger.co.uk has found that 51% are in favour of car park operators issuing penalties to motorists who wrongly occupy parent and child parking spaces. The research highlights a significant source of frustration for many drivers who struggle to find a free bay at supermarkets or shopping centres.
Widespread misuse witnessed
Almost two-thirds (63%) of those questioned said they had seen a driver without a child using these reserved bays, which provide extra room for parents or guardians to safely get children in and out of vehicles. Despite this, only 18% of respondents said they would feel comfortable challenging someone over their misuse of a bay.
Car insurance specialists have warned that drivers who abuse these spaces force parents into narrower bays, which can be hazardous with young children and can result in unintended damage to vehicles as parents manoeuvre bulky pushchairs or car seats – potentially leading to costly and avoidable insurance claims.
Retailers and regulations
Several leading supermarkets have started cracking down on misuse, with notices cautioning drivers they could face parking fines of up to £100. However, unlike disabled parking bays, there is currently no national legislation regulating parent and child spaces. Because the bays are typically on private land, such as supermarket car parks, regulations are determined by individual retailers and parking operators, so policies can differ by location.
While many operators permit parents with children up to age 12, others limit access to those with babies or toddlers. Rules on pregnant women also vary, with some car parks allowing heavily pregnant women to use the bays and others not. Motorists are advised to check management signage in each car park to avoid penalties.
Calls for government action
Campaigners have urged government intervention, with multiple petitions pressing ministers to introduce a permit-style system comparable to the Blue Badge scheme for disabled parking. 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."
Wilson added: "Car parks, especially those at busy supermarkets, are one of the most common places for minor bumps and scrapes, accounting for 20% of car insurance claims each year. Even minor incidents can lead to claims, ultimately contributing to higher insurance costs across the board. Respecting designated parking spaces can help improve safety for everyone, reduce unnecessary accidents and lower insurance premiums."
