Becoming a parent has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life, but it’s also opened my eyes to a significant issue that I never fully appreciated before: the lack of accessible, designated parent and child parking spaces. This issue has become so pressing for me that I feel compelled to launch a national petition to require local authorities to not only create more of these spaces but also implement a permit system to ensure they’re used appropriately 
Let me share my story to explain why this matters so deeply.

Not long ago, after a sleepless night with my newborn, I managed to pack everything we needed for a quick trip out. Anyone who has cared for a baby knows how much effort goes into simply leaving the house—between feeding, changing, and ensuring you’ve packed every possible item you might need, it feels like a marathon before you’ve even reached the car. That day, I thought the hardest part was behind me, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

When I arrived at the multi-story car park, I found myself circling endlessly in search of a parent and child space. These spaces are invaluable because they allow for wider access, making it easier to get a car seat in and out or navigate a pram. Yet, what I found were a handful of spaces being misused—occupied by cars with no car seats in sight or even larger vehicles using them for convenience. Frustrated and running out of time, I ended up parking on the road, where I could at least open the car doors wide enough to maneuver the car seat. It wasn’t ideal or safe, but it was my only option.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. Since then, I’ve learned of countless other parents and pregnant women facing similar struggles. One pregnant woman told me how she missed a vital medical appointment because she couldn’t find a space close enough or wide enough to park safely. Another shared how she had to climb through her car’s boot because someone had parked too close to her door. I’ve even heard of partners having to leave work just to help their loved ones access their own vehicles.

It’s maddening that in 2024, we’ve made such progress in accessibility for disabled individuals—something I wholeheartedly support—but we still overlook the needs of families. A pram, like a wheelchair, requires space to maneuver. A car seat needs doors to open wide. And a heavily pregnant woman shouldn’t have to contort herself into a small space just to go about her day.

This issue isn’t just an inconvenience; it can have a serious impact on mental health. I’ve felt the anxiety of navigating tight parking spaces, the frustration of seeing misuse of parent and child spots, and the helplessness of being unable to safely manage my own baby in a car park. It’s enough to push an already exhausted parent over the edge.

I’m starting this petition because I believe that as a society, we have a responsibility to support families. We need more designated parent and child spaces, enforceable permits to prevent misuse, and consideration for pregnant women who deserve accessibility, too. It’s not just a matter of convenience; it’s about safety, dignity, and fairness.

I hope my story resonates with others and inspires action. Together, we can make a change that will make life just a little bit easier for parents and caregivers everywhere.