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P&C spaces (apologies)

34 replies

CanterThroughChaos · 17/05/2026 17:32

I had a situation in the supermarket today that’s not sitting quite right with me. So DH and I tried to get a p&c space but as we approached a white van took the last space. It was annoying as two adults and no children were in the van, more of an eye roll moment than anything to be seriously worried about. So we parked in the main car park got our trolley and went into the store. As we were walking in the two van people were at the kiosk, we probably looked a bit cross when we clocked them as they had taken the P&C space but went on with what we were doing as although annoying and a contentious issue I wouldn’t dream of confronting anyone over it, absolutely not worth it. However as we continued one of the people confronted us and said they wanted us to know they are charity workers collecting food for under privileged families. We said ok my dh even said sorry if we judged you, anything to de escalate and get out of the situation. It did leave me a bit shook as I hate any confrontation. But thinking about it more I can’t make it make sense. There are suitable spaces within the main car park for loading, plenty with a path to access and apart from the P&C spaces the car park was very quiet, two fit adults should have managed fine, I can see that the P&C spaces may have been more convenient though. Another reason it’s not sitting right is that I have a disabled child with the type of autism that is not a super power. Who is non verbal and has no sense of danger in the car park, for us the spaces make shopping safer not more convenient. Our child’s disability was very obvious to these people as they need to sit in the trolley seat although they are much past the age this is expected and they need to wear ear defenders in the supermarket due to sensory processing difficulties. On reflection I’m feeling like this person quite forcefully virtue signalled to us and anyone in earshot when they were morally not in the right. Charity work is admirable however I’m not sure convenience trumps safety. Not to mention leave people alone ffs! So am I being unfair? Please be gentle as I know I’ve got a bit over sensitive about this 🙏

OP posts:
CoralOP · 17/05/2026 18:13

You say twice that you don't like confrontation but you are glaring at people angrily. You clearly do like confrontation but only when you are the one giving it...

Overthebow · 17/05/2026 17:56

They were wrong to park there but p&c spaces aren’t the same as disabled spaces.

Milkmonitoring · 17/05/2026 17:55

stichguru · 17/05/2026 17:42

If you don't have kid's under 12 you don't need a P&C parking space. End of

I used one today. And I don’t have kids under 12. I do have a BB and all the BB spaces were full.

Endofyear · 17/05/2026 17:52

Well they may be charity workers collecting food but that doesn't mean it's ok for them to park in the parent & child spaces! I would probably have given them evils as well and I wouldn't have apologised if they came over to confront me! (I'm not one to start a confrontation but I'll stand my ground 😂)

Also, if I were you, I'd apply for a blue badge for your son, it makes life just that little bit easier when out and about.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 17/05/2026 17:49

Can you not get a blue badge to park on the disabled spot?
You gave them evils so they came and tried to explain, you then tried to run away from it. If you don’t want confrontation or apology then don’t be passive aggressive with strangers while you have your kids, you can’t ever control what strangers will do.

MandyMotherOfBrian · 17/05/2026 17:44

supermarkets could police them like they do blue badge spaces really

Not sure what it’s like in the rest of country but round here pretty much all of the large supermarket/superstore areas are privately run so the actual shops have no say over what happens. There’s an ANPR in most to stop overstays that the private companies can collect fines for, remotely obviously, but I’ve never heard of anyone getting pulled up for parking in a disabled parking spot with the requisite BB. Do some of them actually patrol maybe?

stichguru · 17/05/2026 17:42

If you don't have kid's under 12 you don't need a P&C parking space. End of

MandyMotherOfBrian · 17/05/2026 17:40

Firstly, why haven’t you applied for a BB, sounds like you qualify X?
Though that’s not the point. They’re idiots, don’t spend another moment giving this headspace,

mumofoneAloneandwell · 17/05/2026 17:36

Sounds like you gave them evils and they told you they are charity workers 😭

Theyre unreasonable for parking in a p&c space

Youre unreasonable for being passive aggressive and not expecting a comeback

People with big vehicles parking in parent and child spaces are common occurrences, supermarkets could police them like they do blue badge spaces really

I have a blue badge for autistic dd - definitely get one, they're a lifesaver x