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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Parking drama...

4 replies

ShyHare · 08/09/2024 22:25

A week ago I was parked with two empty spaces on either side of me. Getting in and out of the car is a challenge now in my third trimester and unfortunately I need the space to open the door wide to swing out my entire body to get out and I try to park far enough away that I'm less likely to have anyone park near me. I was happy that it was quiet and the car park was mostly empty. That was until I came back out and I discovered that not only had someone parked next to me on the drivers side. But they were parked over the line into my space and made it impossible for me to even squeeze past let alone be able to open the car door. After exhausting every possible way I could get into the car, including trying to climb over the console on the passenger side. I had to suck it up and go back inside to the shop. Feeling embarrassed, I explained to the co-worker behind the desk what the issue was and asked if someone could do an announcement for the owner of the car to come to the desk. When the owner of the car came over, there was a bit of back and fourth until they finally relented and went to go and re-park their car with security going with them to ensure they didn't do anything to my car. When security came back I thanked both staff for their help and they offered to escort me to the car which I agreed to. All the way to the car I couldn't help but keep apologising for what they had to go through and being reassured that I had nothing to be sorry for. They even said if I wanted to in future I could park in the family spots because they knew who I was because I lived and shopped locally. Though it was a kind offer. I know there is a standard policy in most if not all supermarkets that family spaces are for parents with their children. But it got me thinking if these spaces should be extended to those who are heavily pregnant and need the additional space to climb in and out of the car. Especially with my situation where people who park too close make going to the shops a challenge.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
LiveLoveFuckEmAll · 08/09/2024 22:26

Brilliant idea

tobeornottobe1 · 08/09/2024 22:27

ShyHare · 08/09/2024 22:25

A week ago I was parked with two empty spaces on either side of me. Getting in and out of the car is a challenge now in my third trimester and unfortunately I need the space to open the door wide to swing out my entire body to get out and I try to park far enough away that I'm less likely to have anyone park near me. I was happy that it was quiet and the car park was mostly empty. That was until I came back out and I discovered that not only had someone parked next to me on the drivers side. But they were parked over the line into my space and made it impossible for me to even squeeze past let alone be able to open the car door. After exhausting every possible way I could get into the car, including trying to climb over the console on the passenger side. I had to suck it up and go back inside to the shop. Feeling embarrassed, I explained to the co-worker behind the desk what the issue was and asked if someone could do an announcement for the owner of the car to come to the desk. When the owner of the car came over, there was a bit of back and fourth until they finally relented and went to go and re-park their car with security going with them to ensure they didn't do anything to my car. When security came back I thanked both staff for their help and they offered to escort me to the car which I agreed to. All the way to the car I couldn't help but keep apologising for what they had to go through and being reassured that I had nothing to be sorry for. They even said if I wanted to in future I could park in the family spots because they knew who I was because I lived and shopped locally. Though it was a kind offer. I know there is a standard policy in most if not all supermarkets that family spaces are for parents with their children. But it got me thinking if these spaces should be extended to those who are heavily pregnant and need the additional space to climb in and out of the car. Especially with my situation where people who park too close make going to the shops a challenge.

Yes you are a parent with their child. Your child is in your belly 😬

Whatevershallidowithmylife · 08/09/2024 22:28

Parent and child spaces are courtesy not legal so anyone can park there at any time and you definitely deserve to!

Maireadh · 08/09/2024 22:31

When I was pregnant I parked in the family spaces, because I was the size of a bus and needed the space to get out. I also used them when I was a passenger with a broken leg trying to get in and out on crutches.

Personally I think they should basically be accessible spaces for people who need more room but aren’t eligible for a blue badge because their problem is temporary.

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