These spaces, often marked with a pram or smiling family symbol, are usually wider and positioned closer to shops to help parents with young children park more safely and conveniently.
Even though there are usually several spaces available, a shortage at busy times can lead to you using a parent and child spot.
However, as with any reserved bay, it can leave you worried about whether you could face a fine or penalty for parking there.
What are parent and child parking spaces?
Typically found in private car parks, often supermarkets, parent and child bays are wider spaces made to help parents move their young children.
With space for large pushchairs and child carriers, the parent and child spaces are often key for busy parents.
The parking spaces are normally close to the front of the car park and feature a graphic of an adult or child.
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, explains the purpose of the spaces, sharing: “Parent and child bays are there for a very clear safety reason.
“They give adults the room they need to get children safely in and out of the car, especially when they’re dealing with car seats or pushchairs”.
Can I be fined for parking in a parent-and-child space?
According to the RAC, it is not illegal to park in a parent-and-child space if you do not have a child under 12 years old.
However, you could still be hit with a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) in some cases.
As most supermarket car parks are private, rules are enforced by the landowners or the firm allocated to look after the car park.
The RAC shares that most firms are part of the British Parking Association (BPA) and follow their rules and code of practice, meaning you could receive a fine for breaking their rules.
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If the car park is not part of the BPA, it could be part of the Accredited Trade Association (ATA), which has its own set of rules.
Car expert, Graham Conway, adds: “It’s not a criminal offence to use one without a child, but you are parking on private property, so if you breach the conditions set out on the signage you could face a parking charge”.
If you are worried about receiving a fine for parking in a parent and child space, it’s best to avoid the parking bay or check with the car park owner on their own rules.
Did you know the rules around parent and child spaces? Let us know in the comments.
