UAE Parents' Parking Payback

In the UAE, convenience and accessibility are highly valued, especially for families. Parent and child parking spaces are designed to provide exactly that – a safer and more convenient shopping experience. However, the misuse of these designated areas continues to be a source of frustration for many parents. Let's delve into why these spaces are so important, why people misuse them, and what you can do if you witness such misuse.

The 'Crime' of Parking Without Kids: A TikTok Confession

A mother, Chloe Clayton, recently took to TikTok to confess to what she jokingly called a 'crime': parking in a parent and child spot without her children. While not a legal offense, she acknowledged it as a "crime against all mothers," expressing her shame and embarrassment, especially after receiving disapproving looks from other mothers.

Chloe's sentiment resonates with many parents who understand the vital role these parking spaces play in ensuring the safety and convenience of families with young children.

Parents Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands

Frustration over the misuse of these spaces has led some parents to take matters into their own hands, often with creative and sometimes controversial methods.

• Trolley Tactics: One user shared how they strategically placed a shopping trolley behind a car parked in a parent and child space, leaving the driver to deal with the obstruction.

• Reporting to Authorities: Another parent reported a man to gym staff for using the parent parking spaces without having a child, resulting in a warning for the offender.

• Confrontations and Reporting: Some parents admitted to directly confronting drivers, while others have started reporting license plate numbers to store security.

Why Are Parent and Child Parking Spaces So Important?

The RAC highlights several key reasons why these designated spaces are crucial for parents:

• Larger Size: Parent and child parking bays are significantly larger than standard spaces, providing ample room to safely maneuver children in and out of vehicles, including installing and removing car seats or managing prams.

  • The typical parking space is around 2.4 metres wide and 4.8 metres long.
  • These dimensions were introduced around 50 years ago, when vehicles were considerably smaller.
  • The rise in larger vehicles, such as SUVs, has made the standard space even less suited.

• Accessibility: These spaces are strategically located closer to store entrances, often near ramps and wider pathways, making it easier and safer for parents with young children to navigate shopping areas.

Laura Guckian, a mother of three and founder of Mind Mommy Coaching, emphasizes that these spaces aren't just for parents with babies. They are also essential for parents with older children who may have special needs but don't qualify for disabled parking permits.

• "I wish there was more awareness that those 'parent and child' spaces aren't just for people with small babies. They're also for parents of children of older children who may have additional needs but not eligible for a disabled parking permit," she said.

• "My children are 4, 5 and 9 and I need to be closer to the shop to make it safer and easier to get in and out with them so I always park in the mother and baby spaces when they are with me."

• "Being out and about with kids can be really tricky and overwhelming. Those spaces aren’t a luxury. They can be the difference between being able to manage a quick shop or not."

• "I just wish, as a society, it was an unwritten rule that these spaces were respected and reserved for mothers, fathers, guardians and children without judgement or entitlement."

• "Why can’t we just have one thing that’s ours? One small thing that makes it a little bit easier."

Why Do People Without Children Park in These Spaces?

Several reasons are commonly cited for the misuse of parent and child parking spaces:

• Convenience: The proximity to the store entrance is a major draw, allowing for quick trips in and out of the store.

• Health Conditions: Some individuals with health conditions, such as Crohn's Disease, may need to be close to restroom facilities.

• Larger Vehicles: Drivers of larger vehicles may find these spaces easier to maneuver in and out of.

• Lack of Perceived Wrongdoing: Some people simply don't see an issue with parking in these spaces, as it is generally not illegal.

What Should You Do if You See Someone Misusing These Spaces?

Experts recommend avoiding direct confrontation and instead reporting the issue to store staff or management.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams advises:

• "While it isn’t illegal to park in a parent and child bay without children in tow, drivers could be issued with a Parking Charge Notice."

• "These wider spaces are intended to make it easier for parents to get their children in and out of cars."

• "In the event you spot someone misusing a parent and child bay, it’s best to report it to a store manager or member of staff."

By reporting the misuse to the appropriate authorities, you can help ensure that these valuable spaces are available for those who truly need them.