Little known car park 'age limit' rule for Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's and Aldi
Motorists are being alerted about a straightforward "age limit" regulation in supermarket car parks which affects major retailers including Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.
Parent and child bays are fitted in most supermarket car parks, providing extra space for families to navigate and pack their vehicles.
These are usually positioned close to the shop entrance, giving users swift access to the store without extended walks.
However, the rules are often vague, with numerous retailers neglecting to show clear signage detailing who can and cannot use these prime locations.
Experts are now cautioning that drivers might face fines if they breach the lesser-known "age limit" rule, reports Bristol Live.
Specialists at EMG Motor Group explained that regulations were "fairly simple" to understand, with bays only accessible for parents or guardians bringing a child under 12 into the shop.
The age boundary is established at 12 as this is when youngsters must still use car seats or restraints whilst in the passenger seat, reports the Express.
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Whilst there is no strict law, road users could risk a £100 penalty in a disastrous conclusion to a shopping excursion.
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."
Nevertheless, uncertainty persists regarding whether expectant mothers are permitted to use these spaces and take advantage of the additional room.
RAC representatives explained: "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."
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Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Motorists are being alerted about a straightforward "age limit" regulation in supermarket car parks which affects major retailers including Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons. Parent and child bays are fitted in most supermarket car parks, providing extra space for families to navigate and pack their vehicles. These are usually positioned close to the shop entrance, giving users swift access to the store without extended walks. However, the rules are often vague, with numerous retailers neglecting to show clear signage detailing who can and cannot use these prime locations. Experts are now cautioning that drivers might face fines if they breach the lesser-known "age limit" rule, reports Bristol Live. Specialists at EMG Motor Group explained that regulations were "fairly simple" to understand, with bays only accessible for parents or guardians bringing a child under 12 into the shop. The age boundary is established at 12 as this is when youngsters must still use car seats or restraints whilst in the passenger seat, reports the Express. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages Whilst there is no strict law, road users could risk a £100 penalty in a disastrous conclusion to a shopping excursion. 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." Nevertheless, uncertainty persists regarding whether expectant mothers are permitted to use these spaces and take advantage of the additional room. RAC representatives explained: "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."
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