Drivers have been urged to learn a lesser-known rule when using a supermarket car park (Image: Getty)
Drivers planning to do some last minute shopping before have been urged to avoid when .
With Christmas only a matter of days away, many Brits are flooding the to make sure they have plenty of presents and enough food for the dining table.
However, the used vehicle retailer noted that one of the most convenient spaces to park in should only be used by parents who have young children.
They advised: “In almost all supermarket car parks, you’ll find designated spaces for ,
“And they’re usually closer to the store doors to save parents having to cross more of the busy car park than is necessary.”
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Parent and child parking spaces are designed to keep young children safe in car parks (Image: Getty)
Many supermarkets with large parking areas have ‘parent and child’ bays, typically located much nearer to the store in order to prevent young children from having to cross a busy area filled with moving vehicles.
Whilst shoppers who are in a rush may be tempted to park in one of these spaces, the majority of parking companies state that users must also accompany a child under the age of 12.
Before going in, it is worth drivers reading any signs within the car park that outline parking restrictions or speaking to a member of staff inside the shop.
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Drivers who park incorrectly in a parent and child parking space face fines of up to £100 (Image: Getty)
Avalon Motor Group also highlighted that, in the majority of cases, these spaces also require that the child also leaves the car and enters the supermarket with their parent.
They added: “Whilst it can seem ambiguous as to who can park there, we’re here to clear things up: you can park in a parent and child parking space if you’re entering the shop with a child that is under 12 years old.
“If you’re going into the shop on your own and leaving a child with another adult in the car, you must use an ordinary parking space.”
Whilst the rules may sound trivial, particularly during Christmas, those who ignore them face a number of serious consequences.
The fine for incorrectly using a parent and child parking space will vary depending on the car park’s owner, but can legally be an on-the-spot penalty of up to £100.
However, one case saw a mother face a fine of £260 for leaving her two children inside her vehicle when visiting her local store.