Yesterday I was driving around a local supermarket car park. When I was driving past the parent and child parking spaces, someone began reversing out. There was a lady coming the opposite way and she was indicating in. I parked up elsewhere and saw the woman getting out of the car. She was probably in her late 50’s/early 60’s. Thinking she was probably looking after her grandchildren, I got to getting Oliver out the car. Whilst I lifted him out, I watched as she walked off. Alone. No children. When I walked past her car, there wasn’t anyone left in it. No car seat. Nothing. She had parked there because of sheer laziness. Because that space was a mere 20 metres closer to the shop than a normal space.
This isn’t the first time I have experienced this. Once I was getting back in my car whilst a family were getting in theirs, the children were in their late teens. I think the only reason the father had chosen that space was because he had a fancy car. Another time I ended up parking in a normal space as someone beat me to the parent and child space. She got out the car with her child, who must have been at least 12/13, she opened the door herself and hopped out independently. So why did themother need a parent and child space? These are but a few examples that I have seen in the past year.
What is the criteria to use them?
It really annoys me the amount of times people use these spaces inappropriately. Yes they say ‘parent and child’ which is a broad term, but realistically they are really meant for people with small children who need assistance getting in and out of the car or help putting a seatbelt on or off. If your child can safely and independently get themselves in and out of the car, do you really need the extra space? Most supermarkets say that in their eyes, the spaces are designated for parents with children under 12 and using booster seats. But in reality, none of their signage reflects this notion.
Should pregnant women be allowed to use them?
Another related problem I have seen in the media is the use of these spaces when heavily pregnant. Personally I always used the normal spaces, but I often found it very difficult to manoeuvre myself out of the car due to my bump. I think that it is perfectly acceptable for a heavily pregnant woman to utilise the spaces, as getting about isn’t easy at the best of times. Let alone when you have to squeeze out of the car because the person next to you has parked badly!
To fine, or not to fine?
I was really pleased to see a few months ago that Tesco were starting to roll out fining drivers who used parent and child spaces when they didn’t need to. In most places, if you parked in a disabled spot and you weren’t disabled you would end up with a fine. So why can this not be applied to parent and child? If people aren’t fined they won’t stop their behaviours! Personally I am too scared/nervous to actually approach people
What are your views on people using parent and child spaces inappropriately? Should they be fined?
If I see it I politely walk up to people and say ‘I’m sorry, I’m not sure if you have seen the sign saying these are reserved for people with young children…’ as I usually have at least two little ones hanging off me at the time, people normally mumble an ‘oh, no, sorry’. It is a polite shaming that hopefully makes them think twice next time
I have seen many people use these bays without having any children with them (usually van drivers) and it gets me upset. I struggle enough with 2 littles ones and there being no double seated trolleys that I am also forced to then park further away from the entrance (when there are no spaces) and have to try and get them safely across a car park. I think something has to be done otherwise people are just going to keep using them when they don’t have to.
🙂
#DreamTeam
Oh this is one of the things that annoys me beyond belief! My girls are 13 and 11, so it has been many, many years since I last used a parent and child space, but I still get cross when I see parents of older children, or people with no children use the spaces. It’s very unfair and it’s great to hear that Tesco are now fining people #DreamTeam
Oh yes. But what a kettle of fish this one opens up. It makes me so cross seeing a young (ish), seemingly healthy adult nabbing the last parent and child space. Then jumping up out their car and running into Tesco’s. Grrrr!!! But, I don’t think I would feel the same if that person had an elderly person in tow, or perhaps someone with a broken leg (or something like that). Then there’s perhaps someone who isn’t well popping to the chemist, someone recovering from an operation maybe… the list is endless. Thanks so much for sharing this with the #DreamTeam – loved this post! x
This drives me mad at our local supermarket. I totally agree with your comment about heavily pregnant women being able to use the spaces. I suffered with SPD in all my pregnancies which made walking unbearable and getting in and out the car was a huge challenge in itself. Being able to park that bit closer would have been a big benefit.
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Definitely, the amount of times I couldn’t get in or out of the car because of my bump!
Great post! This makes me so mad! I’ve seen parents with teenagers getting out of cars at Tesco and it just makes me so mad! It’s pure laziness! The criteria is for up to 5 (I think) at our local Tesco. That space is for young children and parents to have that extra bit of space to do that. I once saw a white van with two young guys parked in in. They were leaving as we got out of the car so I told Amelia to go wave at the men and their baby! Lol! They were embarrassed and laughed. ? People that park in these spaces are the same people who park in disabled spaces, not fully understanding why somebody with a disability needs this space. The extra space!!! Sorry huge rant! Once subject that makes me mad! ? Xx
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I think it gets a lot of our backs up! Thanks for stopping by!