Drivers urged to take action if they see certain cars in supermarket car parks
Drivers have been called upon to report certain motorists parking their vehicles at well-known supermarkets.
There are worries surrounding the abuse of disabled parking spaces and Blue Badges in supermarket car parks, with concerns that many are utilising the designated areas without proper entitlement.
Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK) has now encouraged people to complete a survey after visiting popular retailers including Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.
Dr Shani Dhanda, Award Winning Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Specialist, argued that reporting the abuse of parking spaces would help "hold people to account".
It comes after a writer claimed 'I tried butter from Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and big brands - and the winner is not Lurpak'.
Dr Dhanda said: "Accessible parking bays aren't just a nice-to-have - they're a lifeline. Without them, so many disabled people are shut out of everyday life, whether that's getting to work, buying food, going to appointments, or just being part of their community.", reports the Express.
"When bays are misused or not properly enforced, it sends a really clear message that our access and independence aren't a priority. Baywatch matters because it's not just raising awareness - it's holding people to account and pushing for real change."
The survey's questions ask motorists to disclose how many disabled spaces were occupied at a particular moment.
The questionnaire also requests drivers to reveal how many of the cars are not displaying a Blue Badge. The survey also aims to uncover the condition of disabled EV charging bays across UK stores.
DMUK states the survey's revelations should shed light on the current situation faced by the disabled community.
Officials confirmed the survey will run from 21st July until 15th August, with the results set to be published next month. A previous survey conducted by DMUK in 2024 found that 40% of disabled drivers had been forced to leave car parks due to a lack of available spaces.
In addition, 36% reported seeing non-badge holders occupying disabled parking bays, a significant setback. This comes as the demand for accessible bays continues to rise, with nearly three million Blue Badge holders now in the UK.
Experts also disclosed that these statistics mean there is now an average of 52 Blue Badge holders for just one disabled bay.
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Not adhering to this common rule can leave drivers out of pocket Parking in the supermarket is pretty straightforward with bays all set out and disabled areas clearly marked. But motorists are being warned that they need to follow the 'age limit' in stores such as Asda, Aldi, Sainsbury's and Morrisons or face fines. The rules of parent and child spaces, which are a feature in most supermarket car parks, give families extra space to allow getting children in and out of the vehicle safer. This extra room is helpful for parents who are getting buggies or car seats out of their vehicles. They are usually closer to the store entrance as well to prevent youngsters from having to walk across busy areas. But the rules around who can and cannot use them is not always clear unless there are visible signs to lay out the conditions of use. Drivers could be subject to fines, however, if they break a simple upper 'age-limit' rule for these bays, reports The Express. Experts at EMG Motor Group claimed rules were "fairly simple" to understand with bays only available for use by parents or guardians who are taking a child under 12 into the shop. The age is set at 12 as this is when youngsters must still use car seats or restraints when in the passenger seat. And although there is no hard rule, road users could be at risk of a hefty £100 charge in a nightmare end to a shopping trip. The experts 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. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "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." However, there is still a grey area around whether expectant mothers can use the bays and take advantage of the extra space. Officials at the RAC said: "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." The RAC also advise speaking to the store manager if you spot someone using a parent and child space who shouldn't be. They suggest it is a better idea than approaching the driver yourself as this could lead to a hostile situation.
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