Parent & Child Parking Spaces: What the research shows about misuse & fines
New research indicates that most drivers in Northern Ireland support fines for the misuse of parent and child parking spaces. The findings come from a survey of 700 motorists carried out by CompareNI.com in May 2026.
What the research found
The survey found that 59% of respondents believe car park operators should be able to issue penalties to drivers who wrongly use parent and child bays.
Two thirds of those surveyed (66%) said they had seen a driver without a child using the spaces. Only 28% said they would feel comfortable confronting another driver about it.
The purpose of parent and child bays
Parent and child bays are wider than standard spaces. The additional width is intended to allow parents and guardians to get children in and out of a vehicle, and to manoeuvre items such as car seats and pushchairs. The bays are also typically located closer to store entrances.
When the spaces are occupied by drivers who do not require them, parents may need to use standard bays. This can increase the likelihood of vehicle damage, for example when removing a car seat in a narrower space, which can lead to insurance claims.
Rules vary by car park
There is currently no national law governing the use of parent and child spaces. This differs from disabled parking bays, which are subject to legal regulation.
Because parent and child bays are usually located on private land, such as supermarket car parks, the rules are set by individual retailers and parking operators. As a result, policies can vary between sites.
Many operators permit parents with children up to the age of 12 to use the spaces. Others limit access to drivers travelling with babies or toddlers. Rules regarding expectant mothers also differ, with some sites permitting heavily pregnant women to use the bays and others not. Drivers are advised to check the signage at each car park.
Some major supermarkets have started to act on misuse. Signage at certain sites warns that improper use can result in parking charges of up to £100.
Car park incidents and insurance claims
According to CompareNI, car parks at supermarkets and shopping centres are among the most common locations for minor collisions, accounting for approximately one fifth of car insurance claims each year. Even minor incidents can result in claims, which can contribute to higher insurance premiums over time.
Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director at CompareNI.com, described the misuse of these bays as "a major bugbear for many motorists" and said the research shows public support for stronger action. He noted that accessible parking is "very important for parents", helping them move children and bulky items such as pushchairs and car seats safely. He added that respecting designated parking spaces can improve safety, reduce avoidable accidents and help lower insurance premiums.
Calls for more spaces at council car parks
Most parent and child bays are found at supermarkets and shopping centres. Many council car parks in Northern Ireland do not provide them, as local authorities are not legally required to do so.
Campaigners have lobbied some councils to increase the number of parent and child spaces. They have argued that a shortage of parking suitable for families raises safety concerns and can affect footfall in town centres.
Summary
The research indicates public support for the consistent application of rules on parent and child parking, and for penalties where the spaces are misused.
Data provided by CompareNI.com, Northern Ireland's largest price comparison site. compareni.com
References
https://smart-motoring.com/latest-news/common-car-insurance-claims/
Survey: CompareNI.com's findings are based on a randomised survey of 700 respondents across Northern Ireland during May 2026, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.