Drivers using supermarket car parks at stores including Morrisons, Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's are being warned about little-known regulations that could result in a penalty alongside their weekly shopping. Each supermarket car park has small notices displaying rules about parking times, duration limits and other conditions. Since most supermarket car parks are free, many shoppers overlook the terms governing these facilities, but they are enforceable.
Parent and Child Parking Age Limit
One often-overlooked regulation concerns parent and child parking bays. Nearly every supermarket provides designated spaces for parents parking with young children, previously known as mother and child parking but now updated to be more inclusive. At Morrisons, for example, they are labelled parent and toddler parking.
What many drivers do not know is that numerous supermarket parent and child spaces impose an age restriction. Once a child reaches 12 years old, the driver is no longer permitted to use these bays, even if the 13-year-old passenger is accompanying them for a quick errand.
Why the Age Limit Exists
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 a driver is going into the shop alone and leaving a child with another adult in the car, they must use an ordinary parking space. Those caught misusing these spaces could face a Parking Charge Notice. This is because many supermarket car parks are operated by third-party firms, with some even using cameras to enforce the rules. Failing to pay the fine could ultimately lead to a court appearance.
Drivers are advised to check the specific age limit displayed on signs in each car park, as some supermarkets may have slightly different rules. However, the common standard across major chains is 12 years old. To avoid fines, always ensure any child passengers are under the age limit before using a parent and child bay.
