What do you want the government to do?

We want the Government to issue clear national guidance or legislation allowing pregnant women to use parent-and-child parking bays, or to introduce designated wider bays for expectant mothers.

Why is this important?

In later stages of pregnancy, many women experience reduced mobility, balance issues, and physical discomfort. This can make it difficult and sometimes unsafe to enter and exit vehicles in standard parking bays, particularly in busy car parks.

My wife is currently 7 months pregnant and struggles to get in and out of the car in standard spaces while doing everyday tasks like grocery shopping. Parent-and-child bays provide the additional space needed to open doors fully and move safely, but their use by pregnant women is inconsistent and often discouraged.

There is currently no clear or consistent policy across the UK, leaving expectant mothers without support for a temporary but significant mobility limitation. Recognising this need would improve safety, accessibility, and wellbeing for pregnant women.

We believe either access to wider bays or the introduction of designated spaces for pregnant women would be a reasonable and practical solution.