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Drivers urged to report shoppers at Aldi, Asda, Tesco, Lidl & more over car park rule
The RAC says supermarket car parks can issue private parking charges of £60 to £100 when drivers ignore the rules.
The RAC is urging shoppers to report drivers misusing parent-and-child parking bays at major supermarkets including Asda, Tesco, and Sainsbury. The organization advises notifying store managers rather than confronting motorists directly.
Designed for parents with children under 12, these wider spaces provide room for pushchairs and car seats. Amanda Roscoe, signage expert at Carrick Signs, noted these bays are "there to make life easier" for families needing extra space.
Because supermarket car parks are private land, Blue Badge holders should typically use designated disabled bays instead. Operators can issue a Parking Charge Notice of around £60 to £100 if drivers breach the terms displayed on signs.
The RAC warns that approaching someone using a dedicated bay without young passengers "could lead to a hostile situation." Shoppers are encouraged to report misuse to a store manager in the frustrating event of seeing a violation.
Retailers maintain full discretion over managing facilities, meaning policies vary significantly by location and store chain. These spaces remain "one of the most debated signs" in supermarket car parks, though they serve a vital safety purpose for families.