Mother and child spaces in Tesco

Sazzy1253

Hi! 

I have a 14 month old (am also 38 weeks pregnant although I know this doesn’t count...it’s just hard to Walk 😂). 

We were in Tesco this morning and parked in a parent child space. A Tesco employee came out and asked us to move as we didn’t qualify to be in that space and it was needed for another family....very confused. I did ask why we didn’t qualify and they said babies under 6 months only qualified. 

We had to move to a normal space and I watched as another family were directed into the space (with a older child). 

I have contacted Tesco - awaiting reply  but I’m so confused. Have they changed the rules?! Anyone hand any ideas? Was I in the wrong? 

Thank you 

Fruitcake

Parent and child spaces are a gimmick and ground markings for them are just graffiti. They have no legal standing anywhere in the UK. 

Landowners and retailers can make up their own "rules" about them. There is no consistency anywhere across the UK because there is no legislation covering them or their use, unlike the internationally recognised disabled bays. 

However, pregnant mothers and those breastfeeding babies up to six months old have protected characteristics in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, so asking you to move was a breach of said Act (the law).

beamerguy

This sums up your problem

https://www.mylondon.news/news/local-news/parking-parent-child-supermarket-law-17346611
Note in the sign approved by Tesco as it carries their name it says
"Only those with young children can park"

A child up to 12 years allows you to park.

Half_way

There are no rules as such on P+C parking, in essence its a gimmick.
You will however be covered under the equality act as you were/are pregnant

Fruitcake

beamerguy said:

This sums up your problem

https://www.mylondon.news/news/local-news/parking-parent-child-supermarket-law-17346611
Note in the sign approved by Tesco as it carries their name it says
"Only those with young children can park"

A child up to 12 years allows you to park.

I see that article uses the word "fine", so it cannot be given much credence to start with.

As for a woman who is expecting a child using a gimmick parent and child bay, they are by definition, a parent and child.

Sazzy1253

Thanks everyone. I think I was more confused about why I was asked to leave and another family directed in. I’m hoping Tesco will let me know why 

Coupon-mad

I think Tesco need to apologise to you profusely.  

Sainsburys let people with kids up to 12, use these gimmick bays (there are no 'rules' as the bays are a marketing ploy and not a legal right)

D_P_Dance

What about fathers with "authorised" children?

Robin9

My wife  50+ and her mum  85+   =   mother and child 

Sazzy1253

D_P_Dance said:

What about fathers with "authorised" children?

I’ve just been back to Tesco to check the sign ( for age limit) and they’re officially called parent/carer and child space. So covers fathers too. 

D_P_Dance

Thank you, as a shareholder I am grateful that they are not guilty of gender discrimination.