Motorists visiting Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons are being warned that improper use of parent and child parking bays could result in a fine of up to £100. These dedicated spaces are designed to offer extra room for parents with young children, making it easier to manoeuvre pushchairs, car seats, and shopping trolleys. However, some drivers misuse these bays, either out of ignorance or convenience, which can lead to penalties imposed by supermarket parking enforcement teams.
Although parking in these spaces without a child is not illegal, many supermarkets have strict private parking regulations, meaning that breaches can lead to fines enforced through a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). With more retailers tightening their parking rules, drivers are being urged to think twice before using these bays improperly, as parking enforcement teams ramp up their monitoring efforts to deter misuse.
Who Can Use Parent and Child Parking Bays?
Parent and child parking bays are designated for parents or guardians travelling with one or more children under the age of 12. These spaces are typically wider and closer to store entrances, making it easier for families to safely unload children and pushchairs without the risk of obstructing or being obstructed by other vehicles.
While the rules may vary from one supermarket to another, the general expectation is that these bays should only be used when a child is actively accompanying the driver into the store. If a child remains in the car under the supervision of another adult, motorists are advised to use a regular parking space instead.
Supermarkets rely on private enforcement companies to regulate parking, and motorists caught violating the rules could be issued with a PCN of up to £100. In a statement warning shoppers at Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons, parking enforcement specialists Wilsons said:
“Although it is not illegal to park in a parent and child bay in the UK without having children in the car, it is very much frowned upon and can result in a fine too. Misuse of a parking bay designated for parents with children is not only an inconvenience to people who rely on them, but is a punishable offence too. Any drivers caught misusing a parent and child parking bay could receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of up to £100.”
Are Pregnant Women Allowed to Use Parent and Child Spaces?
One of the most frequently asked questions is whether pregnant women are allowed to park in parent and child bays. Unlike blue badge parking for disabled motorists, there is no universal rule stating that pregnant women have the automatic right to use these spaces.
Some argue that expectant mothers, particularly those in the later stages of pregnancy, should be allowed to use these bays for convenience and safety reasons. However, supermarkets and parking enforcement companies have no legal obligation to grant this allowance.
Speaking on the matter, Wilsons explained:
“This question is very much debatable and can vary from car park to car park. Whether a pregnant person can park in a parent and child parking space is down to how much it is needed. For this reason, if a woman is heavily pregnant then it is very much acceptable for her to park in a bay usually designated for parents with children. This is because it can become more difficult for a pregnant person to get in and out of a car in the later stages of pregnancy, so she will need more space.”
This means that the decision is largely left to the discretion of each individual retailer or parking enforcement firm. Some supermarkets may turn a blind eye, while others may issue fines for non-compliance. To avoid misunderstandings, heavily pregnant women who struggle with mobility should check with the supermarket in advance to clarify its policy on parking.
Why Are Supermarkets Cracking Down on Parking Violations?
Supermarkets are becoming stricter with parking regulations due to the growing number of complaints from shoppers who rely on parent and child bays but often find them occupied by drivers without children. The misuse of these spaces causes frustration among parents, who often have to park further away and struggle to safely load and unload young children.
Additionally, parking violations have financial consequences for supermarkets. Private parking enforcement companies are often contracted to monitor car parks, and their role is to ensure that designated bays—including those for disabled shoppers and parents with children—are being used correctly. These firms often operate on a penalty-based system, meaning that issuing fines for misuse increases their revenue.
The crackdown on improper parking is also part of a broader trend in supermarket car park management, with many major chains introducing automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and on-the-spot enforcement officers to deter rule-breakers.
How to Avoid a Fine
To ensure compliance with parking regulations and avoid receiving a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), motorists should follow these key guidelines:
- Check signage: Supermarkets usually display clear instructions about who is permitted to use parent and child bays.
- Only park in these bays when accompanied by a child under 12: If the child is not leaving the vehicle, use a standard parking space instead.
- Pregnant drivers should seek clarification: If you are in the later stages of pregnancy and struggling with mobility, ask the supermarket whether you are permitted to use a parent and child bay.
- Be mindful of enforcement officers: Some supermarkets actively patrol car parks, while others rely on camera enforcement.
If a driver believes they have been unfairly fined, they may be able to appeal the penalty, especially if they can provide evidence that they were using the bay correctly.
Could Regulations Change in the Future?
With growing debate over who should be allowed to use parent and child bays, some campaigners have suggested that supermarkets should introduce clearer policies—particularly regarding pregnant drivers and parents with older children who still require assistance.
As parking rules become more strictly enforced, motorists should exercise caution when using designated bays to avoid unnecessary fines and ensure that spaces remain available for those who need them most.
