Drivers warned over car park 'age limit' in Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons

Drivers have been warned about a lesser-known rule enforced in thousands of supermarket car parks throughout the country that could leave them having to pay a costly fine. To help make parking their car easier for all, most supermarkets offer specialist spaces that are often wider and closer to the store for those who may be unable to walk longer distances.

The used vehicle retailer Avalon Motor Company highlighted that one type of space is parent and child parking spaces, stating that they have a key advantage over regular spaces. They advised: "In almost all supermarket car parks, you'll find designated spaces for parent and child parking,"

"And they're usually closer to the store doors to save parents having to cross more of the busy car park than is necessary." Whilst parent and child parking spaces can be particularly useful for those visiting the supermarket with their young ones, drivers must make sure to use them correctly to prevent consequences.

In most supermarket car parks, these spaces have an age limit that requires at least one passenger inside the vehicle to be under the age of 12 years old. However, to avoid being caught out with a hefty fine, parents thinking about using one of these spaces should check the age limit at that particular supermarket by looking at one of the rule signs, often found on lampposts throughout the car park.

Avalon Motor Company also suggested that motorists avoid parent and child parking spaces if their young passenger is planning to stay inside the vehicle. "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."

"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." In both cases, breaking the rules surrounding parent and child parking spaces can prove to be an expensive mistake.

With many supermarket car parks owned by private parking companies, those who use one of the spaces incorrectly can typically face a penalty charge notice (PCN) of up to £100. However, in one case, a mother was given an astonishing fine of £260 when she left her two children inside the car when visiting her local store.