Major retailer car parks including those run by Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury’s are calling on shoppers to flag up instances where drivers may be flouting parking regulations.
Members of the public have been encouraged to alert staff about motorists who occupy family parking spots without having children present.
These additional-wide spaces are specifically intended to give parents room to safely load toddlers and prams, and are typically positioned near shop entrances.
Despite this, certain drivers occupy these bays despite not having young passengers with them.
The RAC is advising customers that raising the matter with a manager is preferable to directly approaching the motorist.
The organisation states these bays can be found throughout privately-owned car parks nationwide, with particular prevalence at grocery stores.
The designated areas typically feature pictograms showing an adult with a child either painted on the ground or displayed on signage nearby, sometimes both.
Should someone observe a bay being used incorrectly, the recommended course of action is to inform store management.
Confronting someone occupying a reserved space without young passengers may result in an uncomfortable confrontation, so members of the public should refrain from allowing frustration to override good judgment.
Signage specialist Amanda Roscoe from Carrick Signs observed that these designated areas generate considerable discussion among car park users.
She noted that individuals frequently spot a vacant spot and assume their visit will be brief, yet the spaces exist to accommodate parents requiring additional clearance for safety seats, pushchairs and the safe transfer of children from vehicles.
Although violating these bay restrictions does not typically attract a statutory penalty, several supermarket parking facilities enforce their own terms and may issue private fines. These penalties commonly range between £60 and £100 for drivers who breach the displayed conditions.
Are Blue Badge holders permitted to use family bays?
Generally, no.
These spaces are reserved for adults accompanied by young passengers, typically those aged below 12. The increased width accommodates prams, child restraints and facilitates safe entry and exit for minors.
Holders of Blue Badges visiting retail outlets should instead utilise the reserved accessible spaces unless signage indicates otherwise.
Why doesn’t a Blue Badge cover these areas?
The Blue Badge initiative primarily covers on-street parking and council-operated facilities.
Official guidance indicates that surface-level parking areas including those at shops, hospitals and retail complexes operate under separate regulations, with operators determining how disabled and family bays are managed.
Consequently, retailers maintain discretion over who may occupy their family spaces and whether a Parking Charge Notice applies for violations.
Could a penalty be issued?
A local authority Penalty Charge Notice would not typically be imposed since supermarket car parks occupy private land.
However, the private enforcement company managing the site may issue a Parking Charge Notice should someone occupy a family bay without meeting the retailer’s requirements.
Each retailer maintains distinct policies, so checking signage before departing one’s vehicle remains advisable.
What options exist for Blue Badge holders?
A valid Blue Badge offers various parking benefits, including:
Use of designated disabled bays.
Complimentary parking at numerous street-level pay-and-display locations administered by the council, excluding privately-operated sites.
Parking on single or double yellow lines for a maximum of three hours where loading prohibitions do not apply, though local variations exist and confirming with the relevant council is recommended.
Access to council-operated disabled parking allowances subject to local regulations.
These provisions do not automatically extend to privately-owned supermarket or retail park car parks.