Should Drivers Be Fined For Misusing Parent & Child Parking Spaces?

It's not illegal to park in a parent and child parking space when you don't have a child in the car, and many motorists are using them when they shouldn't knowing there will be no punishment for doing so. But could this be about to change?

Existing powers given to traffic wardens only apply to on street parking and council car parks, not on private land like supermarkets car parks, and there are gworing demands for action to be taken.

A recent survey by YourParkingSpace.co.uk found that there is support for a crackdown and the introduction of £25 fines, whilst 10 per cent of motorists would even back a temporary ban from the supermarket for drivers who are repeat offenders.

Whilst some supermarkets do already fine drivers who abuse parent and child parking spaces the enforcement is usually done by cameras, and there is a call for the presence of a warden to act as a deterrent and to give a warning before resorting to a fine.

If you've ever driven past a row of parent and child spaces filled with cars without child car seats and then had to squeeze into a space far away from the store you'll know how infuriating it can be. Now I have older children I have to say it's less of a concern for me, but with a baby or toddler you definitely need the extra room to be able to get them in and out of the car safely (and with a baby that usually means removing the car seat too). That extra room is also needed to be able to set up your pram or pushchair as a regular parking space just doesn't allow it.

Most people must surely acknowledge that for these reasons alone the spaces are needed, so why do so many people abuse them? Is it just for convenience sake, to be closer to the store entrance, or is it just a case of thoughtlessness? And could fining these drivers be the answer?

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