Tesco introduces parking fines for drivers misusing parent and child bays

Tesco is trialling parking fines for drivers who misuse parent and child spaces. Here is what parents need to know.

Cars seen parked in the car park of a Tesco store.

David Tramontan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Published: February 24, 2026 at 11:41 AM

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Tesco has introduced new warning signs in some of its car parks, telling drivers they could face a parking charge if they misuse parent and child bays.

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The red and white bollard signs read: “Parent & child only” and warn that “Misuse of these bays may result in a PARKING CHARGE. This space is reserved for customers taking little shoppers into the store.”

The move has sparked a huge reaction from parents online, many saying the change feels long overdue.

What is changing in Tesco car parks?

A Tesco spokesperson told Newsquest the notices are being piloted in some stores. The supermarket has also employed enforcement officer teams to monitor its car parks and ensure bays are being used correctly.

The signage also applies to disabled parking bays, reminding customers to display their Blue Badges when using them.

Who can use Tesco parent and child parking bays?

According to Tesco, the bays are intended for parents or carers who are taking children into the store, with a suggested maximum age of under 12 years old.

Guidance from National Parking Enforcement and Security states: “Drivers may park in a Parent & Child bay whilst using the store and exiting the vehicle.”

It also clarifies when the bays are not needed: “If a child (or children) does not exit the vehicle there is no need to use these bays.”

There is no national law covering parent and child parking spaces. Supermarkets set their own policies, which means the rules can differ between retailers.

Can pregnant women use the bays?

One of the most frequently asked questions from parents was whether expectant mums qualify.

Tesco told Netmums that “heavily pregnant women” can use parent and child parking bays.

For many families, that confirmation is reassuring, especially during the later stages of pregnancy when mobility can be more difficult and extra space is genuinely helpful.

Will drivers actually be fined?

Yes, Tesco has confirmed that drivers who misuse the bays may receive a parking charge. Their other parking charges range from £60 to £100.

However, as the scheme is currently being piloted in some stores,

Is this happening in every Tesco store?

Tesco has confirmed the changes are being run as a pilot in selected locations, but did not provide a full list of participating stores.

And, since Tesco car parks aren't all run by the same company, enforcement may not look identical everywhere.

Parents are advised to check signage carefully in their local Tesco car park. New bollard signs, in red and blue, have been introduced to increase the visibility of existing signage in its car parks.

Why is it so important parent and child bays are reserved for families?

For parents of babies and toddlers, these spaces are not about convenience. The extra width makes it easier to manoeuvre prams, lift out bulky car seats and allow little ones to climb out safely without the risk of doors hitting neighbouring cars.

Research by Confused.com from 2022 found that more than half (57%) of UK drivers have witnessed someone without children parking in a parent and child bay, and that 40% of parents have had to leave a car park due to not being able to find a space.

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While there is still no nationwide rule for parent and child bays, Tesco’s trial signals a stronger approach to enforcement, something many mums and dads have been calling for.

Authors

MadeForMums team

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