New update on fines for misusing parent and child parking spaces
More than half of all Britons believe that motorists who misuse parent and child parking spaces ought to be hit with fines, according to new research. A survey of 1,000 UK drivers conducted by Tiger.co.uk revealed that 51% are in favour of car park operators issuing penalties to those who wrongly occupy the designated bays.
The researchers said the findings shed light on what has become a significant source of frustration for many drivers who struggle to locate a free parent and child space at their local supermarket or shopping centre. While these reserved bays provide additional room to allow parents or guardians to safely get their children in and out of a vehicle, almost two-thirds (63%) of those questioned said they had witnessed a driver without a child using them.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Despite this, only 18% of respondents said they would feel comfortable challenging someone over their misuse of a parent and child bay. Car insurance specialists have warned that drivers who abuse these dedicated spaces are forcing parents into narrower bays, which can not only prove hazardous with young children, but can result in unintended damage to vehicles as parents attempt to manoeuvre bulky and heavy pushchairs or car seats – potentially leading to costly and entirely avoidable insurance claims.
Several leading supermarkets have started cracking down on the misuse of these designated spaces, with notices cautioning drivers they could be hit with parking fines of up to £100. The perceived abuse of parent and child spaces has triggered extensive debate online, with disputes over who should be entitled to use them - including whether expectant mothers and parents with teenagers should be allowed to park in these bays.
Unlike disabled parking bays, there is presently no national legislation regulating the use of parent and child spaces. Because the bays are typically situated on private land, such as supermarket car parks, the regulations are determined by individual retailers and parking operators - meaning policies can differ from location to location.
While many operators permit parents with children aged up to 12 to use the spaces, others limit access to those travelling with babies or toddlers. Regulations around pregnant women also vary, with some car parks allowing heavily pregnant women to use the bays while others do not.
It is essential for motorists to always check the management signage in each car park to avoid being penalised. Campaigners have urged government intervention, with multiple petitions pressing ministers to introduce a permit-style system comparable to the Blue Badge scheme for disabled parking.
Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and managing director at Tiger.co.uk, said: "Our research suggests many motorists are growing increasingly frustrated by drivers who ignore the rules when it comes to parent and child spaces and there is strong support for more car park operators to take tougher measures to discourage motorists from abusing these reserved bays.
"Parent and child parking spaces exist to help families get young children in and out of vehicles safely, giving them extra room to lift out bulky pushchairs or car seats. They are also typically located close to the store entrance, meaning parents don't have to walk their kids through a busy car park.
"When other drivers misuse these spaces, it not only inconveniences parents who genuinely need them by forcing them into narrower bays, it can also lead to unintentional and unnecessary damage to vehicles. Parents could damage their own vehicles trying to remove a car seat, or accidentally scratch or dent a neighbouring car, leading to costly repairs.
"Car parks, especially those at busy supermarkets, are one of the most common places for minor bumps and scrapes, accounting for 20% of car insurance claims each year. Even minor incidents can lead to claims, ultimately contributing to higher insurance costs across the board. Respecting designated parking spaces can help improve safety for everyone, reduce unnecessary accidents and lower insurance premiums."