A heavily pregnant woman from Melbourne has ignited a fierce debate across Australia and beyond after a frustrating car park incident left her questioning the rules for expectant mothers.
The Car Park Predicament
Jess King, a 34-year-old model who is 34 weeks pregnant, experienced a distressing situation during a routine trip to her local shops. After parking in a standard bay, she returned to find the vehicle beside her parked so close that she was physically unable to open her driver's door wide enough to get inside.
Ms King was effectively locked out of her own car for a full hour, forced to wait until the neighbouring driver returned. She noted that the individual offered no apology, which she accepted, commenting that it wasn't their fault her body required more space at this stage of her pregnancy.
A Plea for Clarity and Concessions
This frustrating experience prompted Ms King to turn to TikTok, where she shared a video seeking public opinion. 'I wanted to get everyone's opinion, do you think pregnant ladies should be able to park in the mothers with prams park?' she asked her followers.
She highlighted the physical challenges she faces, stating, 'It's getting to the point where I can hardly get through the door.' Ms King also pointed out confusing inconsistencies in the signage of these parking bays, with some inclusive of pregnant women while others exclusively display pram symbols.
Despite her clear need for the extra space, the mum-to-be expressed hesitation about using the designated spots for fear of upsetting or inconveniencing a parent with a pram for the remainder of her pregnancy.
A Nation Divided: The Public Responds
The video quickly went viral, dividing viewers into two distinct camps. Many supporters argued passionately that her need for accessibility justified using the wider bays.
One user commented, 'Bestie, you actually need the wide park, take it,' while another added, 'Yes park there why is there even an argument about it, we need space too especially the further we get along.'
A third shared a personal experience: 'Yes definitely. I needed that spot way more as a heavily pregnant lady than I do now with bub. I was so big and in pain so couldn’t walk far but was too scared to use it.'
However, a significant number of respondents disagreed. One pregnant woman countered, 'As a pregnant girl.. I’m going to say no, because I’ve watched parents with prams use those spots and even then it resembles a game of Tetris.'
Another added a practical perspective: 'Yeah, no, sorry I don't. 37 weeks pregnant and it's certainly a struggle but nowhere near as bad as juggling a baby, a toddler and a pram. If pregnant women take the spots then mothers have to try and fit into the spot you could get into.'
The Legal Reality of Parent Parking
This debate unfolds against a backdrop of unclear enforcement. Parents with prams parking bays are managed by the owners of the property, such as shopping centres, and are not legally enforceable under traffic law.
According to the NRMA, 'Legally there is nothing to prevent a person without a pram, or infant, parking in a pram spot.' The management of each car park has discretion over how they enforce their own rules.
These spots are provided as a courtesy to assist customers who are generally considered less mobile. Ultimately, the organisation states that using these spaces boils down to respect for others and basic civic duty, encouraging drivers to extend common courtesy to those who need ease of access most.
