Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's parking rule shoppers don't know - risking fines

A motoring expert has warned shoppers at supermarkets like Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's to "ask the question" or face fines as a result of a little-known parking rule. Everyone knows parent and child bays are there for people with children.

It is a major support, situated nearer to the entrance for those who might struggle with walking further distances. However, what is not-so-well-known is the detail of the regulations.

For example, what counts as a child? A common rule in many supermarket car parks is an age restriction, which necessitates that at least one occupant in the car must be under 12 years old.

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However, as getting it wrong could risk a fine, parents considering one of these spots should verify the specific age limit at the supermarket by consulting the rule signs, experts say. They are often positioned on lampposts around the parking area.

A spokesperson for Avalon Motor Company also advised not to park there if their child intends to remain in the car. They said: "Whilst it can seem ambiguous as to who can park there, we're here to clear things up: you can park in a parent and child parking space if you're entering the shop with a child that is under 12 years old.

They also noted: "If you're going into the shop on your own and leaving a child with another adult in the car, you must use an ordinary parking space."

Misusing these designated spaces could lead to a costly error. Many car parks at supermarkets are monitored by private firms, and using a parent and child space improperly might result in a penalty charge notice (PCN) scaling up to £100.