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Original poster

Parent and Child Parking

33 replies

WouldAnIdiotDoThat · 09/03/2023 11:10

Recently I was on my own and parking in a fairly small car park and there were no free spaces other than one parent and child space. If there are no other free spaces is it morally right to park in a P&C space? I obviously wouldn't park in a disabled space because that's immoral and I'd get a ticket but I don't see P&C spaces as quite the same. I do have a baby and acknowledge that they make it easier to get a baby out of the car, but surely not at the expense of someone without a child being able to park at all?

In the end I spent so long dithering about it that another space became free but I'm going back to the same car park today and was just wondering what I'd do if it was the same situation.

OP posts:
Vegrocks · 09/03/2023 11:12

Hell yes I do park in P&C if only space available

and when I did have young children, I never ever begrudged anyone parking in one of the spaces when None available elsewhere

Original poster
WouldAnIdiotDoThat · 09/03/2023 11:15

Thanks, good to know! I was also concerned about getting told off by someone who saw me return to my car, I know I could explain that it was the only space at the time but people can get so worked up that they're not willing to listen!

OP posts:
Vegrocks · 09/03/2023 11:17

WouldAnIdiotDoThat · 09/03/2023 11:15

Thanks, good to know! I was also concerned about getting told off by someone who saw me return to my car, I know I could explain that it was the only space at the time but people can get so worked up that they're not willing to listen!

Who cares if you’re “told off”?! No other space available to your parked where there was space. As long as not disabled… no biggie

strawberry2017 · 09/03/2023 11:29

I only park in them if I have my children with me, I'm not brave enough to "break"rules I've always been a chicken!

tommika · 09/03/2023 11:30

The ‘obviously not park in a disabled space’ can depend

A true disabled space for badge holders on the road etc is for badge holders

I’ve had the case in private car parks where when full the staff have directed people into vacant spaces such as disabled

Ridikulus · 09/03/2023 12:17

P&C spaces are not a legal requirement, they're a courtesy. So use them as you would any other space.

tommika · 09/03/2023 15:46

In general there’s also the ‘purpose’ of each space

Disabled, parent and child spaces have various purposes.

Disabled spaces could be ‘as close as possible’ to the entrance - for those walking with a mobility issue
Or they may be wider, or a standard space plus a boundary - for those needing space to get into and out of a wheel chair and those who may be using crutches, sticks, other aids etc
Or they could be deeper, or with a boundary behind - for those with ramp access etc

Parent and child spaces could also be as close as possible for various needs
or wide for buggy access, dealing with child seats etc

Not all of those have a need to be close, as a carer taking a wheelchair user to our Waitrose there were wheelchair bays along the front of the shop
Wide space to get in and out, no need to cross traffic in the car park
But it didn’t matter if the space was further away than others - I was able bodied pushing the wheelchair

whattodo1975 · 09/03/2023 15:52

personally i wouldnt have want to put a parent, with a child, in the same situation you found yourself in (not having a parking spot). I'd have rather gone elsewhere to park than put the pressure on a stressed out parent with a kid.

Marmite27 · 09/03/2023 15:54

Personally I wouldn’t park in a parent and child bay I’d I didn’t have my children with me. I’d wait until another space became free, despite permanently having car seats in the car.

PrincessHoneysuckle · 09/03/2023 15:57

Yes I regularly do.

MaidOfSteel · 09/03/2023 16:05

P & C spaces are just a courtesy. If there are no other spaces, then there's nothing wrong with parking there.

PeekAtYou · 09/03/2023 16:12

It's fine to park there.
If blue badge spots were the only spaces left then I'd wait or leave but P&C spots are a marketing gimmick and not a necessity like blue badge spots so anyone telling you off would be cheeky as fuck.

Anecdotally in other countries I've seen some spots designated to women on their own at night.

Lovemelovemydoggie · 09/03/2023 16:17

Ridikulus · 09/03/2023 12:17

P&C spaces are not a legal requirement, they're a courtesy. So use them as you would any other space.

It’s not quite as simple as that.

If you’re using a private car park, often it is a condition of parking in a P&C space that you have a young DC with you.

Otherwise you are in breach of their T&Cs and may be liable to a fine (depending on their policy).

Our local supermarket has an £80 fine for non compliance.

gogohmm · 09/03/2023 16:26

Depends on situation, if there's free street parking nearby i would opt for that but if there is no other parking I would park in the p&c rather than leave if I need to go to the store

Vegrocks · 09/03/2023 16:30

Lovemelovemydoggie · 09/03/2023 16:17

It’s not quite as simple as that.

If you’re using a private car park, often it is a condition of parking in a P&C space that you have a young DC with you.

Otherwise you are in breach of their T&Cs and may be liable to a fine (depending on their policy).

Our local supermarket has an £80 fine for non compliance.

Show quote history

How would they know?

Disabled blue badge displayed for a disabled spot

but parent and child? And what’s a “child”. Anyone dependent? Could be in their thirties! Under 18.

I very much doubt. Which supermarket?

containsnuts · 09/03/2023 16:37

I've recently been encouraging DM to park in the P&C spaces if she needs to. She has some mobility and breathing problems but doesn't qualify for a blue badge. The P&C spaces allow wider door opening and are nearer to the entrance which is helpful for her. I think there are a variety of reasons people should be able use a more accessable space not just having a wheelchair or a buggy. There being no other spaces is also an acceptable reason imo.

Vegrocks · 09/03/2023 16:47

It’s the same on the tube.

the priority seats are for those pregnant or carrying child or in need but… if free and busy tube, people sit there. And too bloody right!

weinerdog · 09/03/2023 16:51

@Vegrocks I know an ASDA which says up to age 12. If you have no child at all it would be fairly obvious anyway.

I don't think people should use P&C spaces just because they fancy it, just park a few rows back and let the intended user benefit from it. Whether or not you get a fine, it's just what you should do

weinerdog · 09/03/2023 16:53

Vegrocks · 09/03/2023 16:47

It’s the same on the tube.

the priority seats are for those pregnant or carrying child or in need but… if free and busy tube, people sit there. And too bloody right!

Well yeah, you're perfectly allowed to sit on a seat if nobody else needs it. If there's a pregnant woman/mum holding baby/old person/disabled person you don't have to give up your seat but it's shitty to see them and let them stand

Vegrocks · 09/03/2023 17:01

weinerdog · 09/03/2023 16:53

Well yeah, you're perfectly allowed to sit on a seat if nobody else needs it. If there's a pregnant woman/mum holding baby/old person/disabled person you don't have to give up your seat but it's shitty to see them and let them stand

Show quote history

Well yes but the point of this thread is where the space is free and the only space available.

same for the tube seat but if become aware that someone meets the priority of pregnant / with child / disabled / elderly the absolutely offer or just asks… if they look a bit pesky (which I have done a number of times when someone looks very hungover and I’m petrified they’ll vomit on me!)

Vegrocks · 09/03/2023 17:03

weinerdog · 09/03/2023 16:51

@Vegrocks I know an ASDA which says up to age 12. If you have no child at all it would be fairly obvious anyway.

I don't think people should use P&C spaces just because they fancy it, just park a few rows back and let the intended user benefit from it. Whether or not you get a fine, it's just what you should do

Which Asda? Curious because one Asda wouldn’t have a different policy to all the rest.

Original poster
WouldAnIdiotDoThat · 09/03/2023 17:06

A real mix of opinions then! I think if it happens again I'll park there if I have somewhere urgent to be (I use this car park for doctor's appointments) but if I'm not in a rush I'll wait for another space.

OP posts:
weinerdog · 09/03/2023 17:06

It's a London one. Few years since o saw the sign, mind you so may be out of date.

weinerdog · 09/03/2023 17:07

Anyway, I think it's ok if there are literally no other spaces whatsoever but in general, wouldn't take one if it's not necessary. Applies to both tube and car parks imo @Vegrocks

Original poster
WouldAnIdiotDoThat · 09/03/2023 17:09

Vegrocks · 09/03/2023 16:47

It’s the same on the tube.

the priority seats are for those pregnant or carrying child or in need but… if free and busy tube, people sit there. And too bloody right!

Surely it's quite different to the tube as on the tube you are in the seat and have the option to spring up and offer it to someone in need whereas with car parking you leave the area and if someone in need comes along then they miss out until you return to the car.

OP posts: