Tesco Intensifies Crackdown on Parking Bay Misuse with New Signage Trial
Tesco is ramping up enforcement against what customers are calling "despicable" parking behavior outside its stores. The supermarket giant has launched a new trial featuring increased signage to remind drivers of parking rules, specifically targeting misuse of parent-child and disabled bays.
New Warning Signs and Potential £100 Fines
The initiative includes prominent red signs stating "Parent and child only" with clear warnings that "Misuse of these bays may result in a parking charge." While Tesco has long fined drivers who park incorrectly, this trial represents a significant escalation in visibility and enforcement.
Although Tesco hasn't specified exact penalty amounts for parking in ineligible spaces, the current charge for overstaying in their car parks stands at £100. The rules require drivers to display valid Blue Badges when using disabled bays and only use parent-child spaces when actually transporting children.
Viral TikTok Reactions and Parental Frustration
The issue has gained significant attention on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where parents have been sharing their experiences and frustrations. One shopper named Nat recently posted a video showing the new signage at her local Tesco, praising the supermarket's efforts with a "well done" caption.
Another mother, Chloe Clayton, created a viral confession earlier this year, admitting to parking in a parent-child spot at B&M without her children. She described her actions as "despicable," "disgusting," and expressed being "mortified" after receiving dirty looks from other parents.
Parents have been taking matters into their own hands in various ways:
- One TikTok user @twokidsnosleep shared her "petty" response of placing a shopping trolley directly behind a car parked illegally in a parent-child space
- Another user @thebabyfostersharer reported a man to gym management for hogging parent parking spaces without children
- Multiple parents admitted to confronting strangers in car parks or reporting license plates to store security
Why These Parking Spaces Matter
The RAC explains that parent-child parking spots are significantly larger than standard bays, typically measuring wider than the standard 2.4 meters to accommodate modern vehicle sizes and accessibility needs. These spaces are specifically designed to allow parents room to safely maneuver children, car seats, and pushchairs.
Laura Guckian, a mother-of-three and founder of Mind Mommy Coaching, emphasized the importance of these spaces: "Those spaces aren't a luxury. They can be the difference between being able to manage a quick shop or not. I just wish, as a society, it was an unwritten rule that these spaces were respected and reserved for mothers, fathers, guardians and children."
She added that the spaces aren't just for parents with infants but also benefit those with older children who may have additional needs but don't qualify for disabled permits.
Reasons for Misuse and Expert Recommendations
Despite the clear rules, some drivers continue to misuse these spaces for various reasons:
- Convenience: The proximity to store entrances makes them attractive for quick shopping trips
- Health conditions: Some individuals with medical issues like Crohn's Disease argue they need closer parking
- Vehicle size: Drivers of larger cars sometimes take the bigger spaces because their vehicles don't fit in standard bays
- Principle: A minority deliberately park in these spots to protest what they see as "entitled" parents
Simon Williams, head of policy at RAC, advises against direct confrontation: "While it isn't illegal to park in a parent and child bay without children in tow, drivers could be issued with a Parking Charge Notice. In the event you spot someone misusing a parent and child bay, it's best to report it to a store manager or member of staff."
The debate continues as Tesco's trial expands, highlighting ongoing tensions between accessibility needs, parking convenience, and social responsibility in supermarket car parks across the country.
