Parents shopping at major supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons are being warned to pay attention to parking rules to avoid getting slapped with fines. Signs outlining various parking regulations are usually displayed in supermarket car parks.
While many of these rules relate to how long you can stay, some are more specific. Even though most supermarket car parks don’t charge for parking, there are still terms and conditions that shoppers might not be aware of.
One rule that might slip under the radar is about parking with a child. Nearly all supermarkets offer special spaces for parents parking with children. Once known as mother and child spots, these spaces have been updated to be more inclusive and are now dad-friendly too. But what might not be widely known is that these parent and child bays often come with an age limit.
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If your child is over 12 years old, you’re usually not allowed to use them. So, even if you have a 13 year old in the car and you’re just nipping in to pick up a loaf of bread, parking near the front of the store could land you with a fine, reports Wales Online.
Avalon Motor Co explained: “In almost all supermarket car parks, you’ll find designated spaces for parent and child parking, and they’re usually closer to the store doors to save parents having to cross more of the busy car park than is necessary. While it may seem unclear who is allowed to park in these spaces, we’re here to clarify: you can use a parent and child parking space if you’re entering the shop with a child under 12 years old.”
“The age limit of 12 is set because this is the age up to which a child must be secured in the vehicle using child restraints, such as child car seats. If you’re going into the shop alone and leaving a child with another adult in the car, you should use a regular parking space.”
If you’re caught misusing these spaces, there’s a chance you will be fined a Parking Charge Notice. As most supermarket car parks are managed by third-party companies, many use cameras to catch out those breaking the rules. Failure to pay the fine could result in you being taken to court.
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