Parking rules and age limits for Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons

Motorists could face unexpected fines in the car parks of supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons because of obscure rules which are easily overlooked when shopping.

Each of these bustling supermarket car parks is lined with small signs detailing parking dos and don’ts, how long you’re allowed to stay and other vital terms and conditions.

Despite the fact that most of these car parks offer free parking, it is essential that drivers are aware of the specific regulations they are there for a reason, after all. A lesser-known regulation concerns parking spaces for parents and children.

READ MORE: All the roadworks in Kirklees as major Huddersfield project gets underway

These family-friendly bays, previously known only as mum and baby parking, have evolved to be inclusive and are now accessible to dads too, offering convenient spots for those shopping with little ones, the Express reports.

However, one surprising detail about these golfs that might escape your notice is that they come with an age restriction. Once your children reach the age of 12, these separate parking spaces no longer fall within the usage rules – this applies even if you have a teenager with you and are only going in for quick essentials.

To shed light on this regulation, Avalon Motor Co pointed out: “In almost all supermarket car parks, you will find designated spaces for parent and child parking, and these are usually closer to the store doors to avoid parents walking through. more of the congested parking lot than necessary.”

Get all the latest and breaking news from Yorkshire via Sign up for our newsletter here.

“While it may seem ambiguous who can park there, we’re here to make things clear: you can park in a parent and child parking space if you enter the store with a child under 12.”

The limit on the use of these specially designated seats is decided because children aged 12 and under are legally required to use child restraints such as car seats.

“If you go into the store on your own and leave a child with another adult in the car, you must use a regular parking space.”

Breach of this rule may result in a parking charge notice being issued, as many supermarket car parks are managed by external companies. Some of these companies use number plate recognition cameras to enforce the regulations, and ignoring such fines can lead to legal action in court.