Common supermarket age limit rule break leaves drivers all saying same thing

Supermarket car parks have little-known age limit rules, with drivers stopping at major chains such as Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons likely to be caught out. Stores often allocate some dedicated parent and child parking bays, which can only be used by certain road users.

The rules state that only parents and guardians of children under 12 should use the spaces, but many are not following the rules. This summer, we have reported on this issue extensively and it's clear that a pattern is emerging. After each report, drivers are quick to take to the comments section to share they are noticing widespread misuse of the spaces at their local stores.

Many are even suggesting that stores are not checking whether road users are parking in the right spots, leaving many to take advantage of the luxury.

Earlier this summer, Express reader @muppet23 reacted: "See it every day in Asda, Lidl, Aldi and Morrison's and nothing done, time these supermarkets employed someone to enforce it, but don't think so."

@triplelock said: "Is it actually TOO much to ask that folk park in the appropriate spaces? Disabled/Mum and child/ordinary is not too difficult nor is it rocket science. If it means an extra 10/20 spaces to the entrance, are people actually saying that is asking too much?"

@Angisan remarked: "I would say some 95% of the visits we make we see at least one parent and child bay being used by young healthy people. without children."

@SteveUK57 explained: "I've tried to park at a supermarket in a parent & child space with my 3yr old granddaughter and could not get parked. But saw many parents parking up without any children with them."

According to StartRescue, a motorist who stops in a child/parent parking space may be asked to move their vehicle through the supermarket's public address system.

However, they warn road users could be issued a fine or a Parking Charge Notice if they refuse to move their motor. Road users could be charged up to £50, but the bill could increase to a maximum of £100 in a major blow to road users.