If you're walking with kids or walking through a big store with kids, parent-child parking spaces can be a godsend.
They can be found in places such as supermarkets, entertainment centers and shopping centers and are usually located close to the building so you don't have to walk through a busy car park with small children. They also have extra room to get strollers, strollers, and squirming kids out of the car.
However, because they are so conveniently located and offer extra room to maneuver, they are often overused.
According to a recent survey conducted embarrassed.com. (Strangely, however, less than one in 10 admitted to doing it themselves).
The investigation also found that parents with young children reported having to park elsewhere at least four times over a 12-month period because all the parent and child spaces were occupied.
So what are the rules for using parent and child spaces? Can you park in it while you're pregnant, even if you don't have kids with you? And can you be fined for using them incorrectly? Here's what you need to know.
The parent and child area has been made wider to give children more room to get in and out of the car. (Getty Images)
Is it illegal to park in a parent-child bay without a child?
Although parking in a parent-child bay is not illegal, if you don't have children with you, you may be fined for using it incorrectly.
These spaces are usually located in private car parks, such as supermarkets, and are considered private property. You will need to follow the rules of use or you may receive a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of up to £100.
According to the British Parking Association (BPA), parking rules and conditions should be shown on signage around the car park. The rules are enforced by the business or private firm hired to manage the parking lot.
What are the age restrictions for parent and child parking?
A BPA spokesman told Yahoo UK that the rules depend on the car park operator, so there is no single minimum or maximum age rule. However, according to the RAC, the age limit is often 12 years old, meaning one or more children in the car with you must be under this age.
Whether you can use spaces if you're pregnant but don't have a baby is a gray area. (Getty Images)
Can I use it if I'm pregnant but don't have children with me?
When you're heavily pregnant, getting in and out of the car can be challenging, and extra room provided by parent and baby can be helpful. However, whether you can use it without a child in the car depends on the specific car park.
CANCER says it's a “confusing” area and advises checking with the store manager about the rules.
How can I report someone using the parent and child compartment without a child?
If you believe someone is misusing a parent-child parking space, the RAC recommends reporting it to a store manager or member of staff.
How can I appeal a Paid Parking Notice (PCN)?
If you have received a parking notice and you think it has been issued unfairly, you can appeal.
However, it is important to first determine the type of parking ticket you have, as this will affect how you appeal. There are two main types and they are both called PCN, which is confusing.
Notice of fine – issued by a local authority on land administered by the council. Supermarket car parks do not usually fall into this category. To appeal a penalty notice, you must first lodge an appeal with your local authority.
Notice of parking fee – they are issued by private car park operators. Many companies that operate these car parks, such as supermarkets, are members of associations such as the BPA or another accredited trade association (ATA).
If they are registered with the ATA, they can submit a free, independent appeal through Parking on Private Lots (POPLA).
