Overview

• Drivers without children under 12 commonly occupy parent-and-child bays, reducing available spaces for families in need.
• The petition by Laila Noonan seeks government-backed permits for use from 20 weeks of pregnancy until a child’s eighth birthday to curb misuse.
• Although parking in these bays without a child is not illegal, private car park operators can issue Parking Charge Notices under British Parking Association or ATA rules.
• Retailers differ in enforcement: Sainsbury’s, Asda and Tesco may issue PCNs for misuse, Morrisons opts to relocate vehicles, and Aldi and Lidl urge shoppers to report offenders.
• With pregnant women’s access unclear under current policies, the proposal aims to standardize eligibility and reduce disputes over bay use.