Drivers have been cautioned about a straightforward “age limit” regulation in supermarket car parks, with major UK retailers including Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons being impacted.
Parent and child parking bays are installed in most supermarket car parks, providing additional room for families to manoeuvre and load their cars.
These spaces are typically positioned near the entrance, offering users convenient access to the store without lengthy walks.
Nevertheless, the regulations are frequently unclear, with numerous shops failing to display obvious signage clarifying who may and may not utilise these premium spaces.
Specialists are now cautioning that motorists could face penalties if they violate the lesser-known “age limit” regulation, reports the Express.
Motor industry experts at EMG Motor Group stated that the rules were “fairly simple” to grasp, with the bays exclusively available for parents or guardians accompanying a child under 12 into the store.
The age threshold is established at 12 because this is when children must still utilise car seats or restraints whilst in the passenger seat.
Whilst there is no statutory requirement, motorists could face a substantial £100 penalty if they break the rules.
Professionals at EMG Motor Group clarified: “No, there is no law against parking in a parent and child parking space without a child under 12 with you, but you are risking a PCN (Parking Charge Notice), the same as if you incorrectly used a disabled parking bay.
“This is because the car parks are usually owned privately, for example, by supermarkets, and so they enforce rules allowed by their Accredited Trade Association (ATA) status.
“If you’re confused as to the rules in a particular car park, it’s worth checking with the store or destination that you’re parking at, so that you don’t risk a fine, which could be up to £100, being slapped on your windscreen.”
Nevertheless, uncertainty remains regarding whether expectant mothers are permitted to utilise these bays and benefit from the additional space.
RAC officials explained: “Parent and child bays are reserved for parents or guardians with one or more children under 12 years old.
“It’s unclear whether pregnant women can use the spaces and probably best to ask an individual store manager what their rules are.”
