Drivers parking at supermarket car parks run by Morrisons, Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's are being warned about little-known rules that could result in a fine alongside their food shop. Every supermarket car park displays signs detailing parking times, durations and general terms and conditions.
While most supermarket car parks are free, few shoppers examine these terms closely, yet they do apply. One little-known rule concerns parent and child parking spaces.
Age Limit on Parent and Child Bays
Almost all supermarkets provide dedicated spaces for parents parking with children, formerly known as mother and child parking but now also father friendly. In Morrisons, for instance, they are called parent and toddler parking.
Many of these bays actually have an age limit. If your child is over 12, you cannot use them, even if you have a 13-year-old in the car and are just popping in for a loaf of bread while wanting to park near the front of the store.
Enforcement and Fines
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.”
If caught using these spaces when not allowed, drivers could be issued a fine known as a Parking Charge Notice. Many supermarket car parks are run by third-party companies, some using cameras for enforcement, and failing to pay the fine could result in court action.
