Motorists have been warned over a simple “age limit” rule in supermarket car parks with major UK brands such as Aldi, Asda,Sainsbury’s and Morrisons affected. Parent and child bays are fitted in most supermarket car parks, allowing extra space for families to manoeuvre and load their vehicles.
These are usually located close to the store, allowing holders seamless access to the shop without long walks. However, the rules are often ambiguous, with many shops not displaying clear signs explaining who can and cannot use the prime spaces. Specialists are now warning road users could even be hit with fines if they break the little-known “age limit” rule.
Experts at EMG Motor Group claimed rules were “fairly simple” to understand with bays only available for use by parents or guardians who are taking a child under 12 into the shop.
The age is set at 12 as this is when youngsters must still use car seats or restraints when in the passenger seat.
Although there is no hard rule, road users could be at risk of a hefty £100 charge in a nightmare end to a shopping trip.
Experts at EMG Motor Group explained: “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.”
However, there is still a grey area around whether expectant mothers can use the bays and take advantage of the extra space.
Officials at the RAC said: “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.”