To think that P&C spaces in supermarket car parks

[Braganza]

AIBU to think that where there is a pedestrian pavement down the middle of a supermarket car park, it would make far more sense to have the parent and child parking in a well lit area further away from the entrance. This would mean that the spaces would not get clogged up by drivers without children too lazy to find a space, and in some car parks could be in an area with less traffic.

I was asking someone to explain why it was 'courtesy' to park wherever you like..

So yes, great debating skills indeed

Lambsie - so I could borrow some crutches and park anywhere?

No, my point is simply that they shouldn't exist. Can't get a baby out of a car? Don't drive or don't have a baby.

runningonwillpower goodness!! I need to come and live where you do!! The p&c spaces are never empty round my area!

I agree with the OP though; as more families are 2 car families now, mums are more likely to do the weekly shop with their children. The proximity to the shop never bothered me, but more spaces would be very handy and would stop parents damaging other cars accidentally; which can happen if others park too close or you're a new parent not used to wielding a car seat or pushchair.

Seriously??

So if someone parks so close to your car that you can't get the carseat out... You shouldn't have a baby?!

Are you all there??

claidius what a silly thing to say; don't have a car if you can't get a baby out of it?! Christ, it's SO easy for the wind to take the door when you're putting your baby in the seat or their seat in the car and ding someone else's door!!

Perhaps the perfect answer would be to have a number of spaces for either disabled or young DC to park in rather than separate ones for each. Would that work?

Incidentally my 45 year old childless friend always parks in parent parking spaces when she's shopping with her DM on account of the fact they are parent and child. She hasn't been challenged yet.

bowler I don't think you could because disabled spaces are enforceable by law I think, and also need more space than a p&c spot.

I just think the same amount of p&c spaces should be provided as disabled to stop accidental car damage and so mums feel more confident about getting out and about with their LO, especially in the early days.

That would really be fair to disabled people, as most have no respect for P&C spaces so people not disabled & without children would park in them regardless.

NO it bloody well wouldn't!
I can't believe people equate P&C convenience spaces with Blue Badge access spaces - how fucking ridiculous the two are not the same and are in no way comparable!

bowlers she should be careful; some supermarkets do issue fines now. Also, I think it says for children 12 and under in most now.

Yes I am all there thanks. I have never needed extra space to get children in and out of a car, but I have driven to places just to drive home again because there were no disabled spaces available.

If you are dinging other cars then you really shouldn't be on the road.

Bowlersarm - and that's just the kind of disregard I was talking about.

You can't help the wind though, if the wind takes the door out your hand because you're dealing with a baby seat, that's not your fault.

When did you have your DC by the way?

I don't get why people who don't like these spaces or feel the need for them come on these threads. Tis bizarre. I also don't know anyone in RL who is so anti-them either.

Claudius - if you can't get yourself in and out of a car then you shouldn't be driving.

ziggie I hope she does get caught, it really annoys me. She's been doing it for years! Although I must admit i thought they were a courtesy benefit supplied by the supermarket chain, rather than then enforceable by law.

*please, please tell me you took a picture? Because that's like a once in a lifetime event.

Every other space full, and all P&C spaces empty?? *

You think I'm making it up to make a point?

Happens regularly in my local Waitrose.

Small car park with a 2 hour limit on free parking. People park there to shop in town and genuine supermarket customers are left driving round and round to look for a space. Whilst respecting the P&C spaces.

Even I were making it up - which I'm not - it doesn't detract from my original question. P&C parking may be more convenient if you are the parent of a small child but does it make your need greater?

When have I said I can't myself out of a car?

My youngest is 4, if that matters. No I've never used P&C spaces. They aren't necessary. The space should be given over for people with disabilities.

Exactly sparkling you just park and go surely.

Even in the example curiousgeorgie gives, it's just mildly annoying. I thought everyone put the trolley near the boot for unloading shopping anyway and you can't put two DC in the car at once so one stays in the trolley.

I never lugged the car seats in and out I took the baby out of the seat.

No no I mean disabled spaces are enforceable by law, p&c spaces though are now more frequently being enforced by the supermarket issuing fines.

I don't get why people do it. Why don't they think the rules apply to them? And they are rules; the supermarket has designated the spaces for parents with children, not people who just feel like parking there for the extra space or because it's closer to the shop.

Claudius, if there are no disabled spaces you go home?

Putting aside the fact that no person EVER has ever seen disabled bays full, why don't you just park somewhere else because you're such a superhuman at getting people out of cars?

I bloody love p&c spaces. I have dcs aged 3 and 1 and it's great being able to (usually) find a space straight away.

I deliberately choose to go to a particular supermarket (not the nearest, or cheapest) because they have them right by the entrance and I've never been there yet when they have all been taken. They also have plenty of suitable trolleys right next to the p&c spaces too.

I wouldn't trust the 3 year old to stick to a walkway I don't think...

If they could just make it so I didn't have to stop at the cafe for a cake and hot chocolate on my way out it would be perfect :o

georgie - the kind of disregard you are talking about-my friend? Yes it is annoying. She doesn't have DC so I think she just doesn't understand the faff which is a shopping experience with small DC, and the space which is lovely to have.

I still think the answer is to have lots of p and c parking, but not be the entrance. It would stop resentment, and stop the temptation for other people to use the large spaces that they don't need.