Drivers should always reverse into parking spaces at supermarkets to improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
The advice comes from police officer Sergeant Owen Messenger, who partnered with George’s Car Media to share the message on TikTok. He explained that reversing in makes it easier to see other vehicles and pedestrians when leaving a parking bay, compared to the limited visibility drivers have when reversing out.
Sgt Messenger said: "When you are trying to get out, if you are nosed in and are reversing out into the traffic, then it is very difficult to see vehicles and people.
"You've got to weigh up the convenience of loading your shopping into the boot against what is safer and easier for actually driving your car."
@georgescarmedia Most drivers don’t realise they’re parking wrong at the shops — Officer Owen explains the right way to do it! #police #parking #roadsafety #ukdrivers #foodshop ♬ original sound - GCM
He demonstrated the approach in a Tesco car park, emphasising the improved visibility when pulling forward out of a space.
Sgt Messenger said: "Now, when we come out we can see everything that is going on around us and there's far less chance of us running anyone over."
He also raised concerns about hidden hazards.
Sgt Messenger said that a small child could be easily missed while reversing out.
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Drivers told to report shoppers over car park rule
Drivers are being urged to report fellow motorists who may be breaking parking rules at Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and other major UK supermarkets.
Supermarket shoppers are being encouraged to keep an eye on other customers to make sure that they are not incorrectly using parent and child parking bays.
The wider bays are designed to give parents enough space to get young children in and out of cars, especially useful for those with children who still sit in pushchairs.
They are also typically located nearer the entrance to stores, meaning children don’t have to walk across busy car parks in order to get inside.
However, because of their convenience, the parking spaces are sometimes used by those without children.
Drivers are being encouraged to report those misusing the designated parent and child parking to supermarket managers, as supermarket car parks are private property.
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The RAC says: “Parent and child parking bays are found in private car parks across the country, particularly in supermarkets.
“The dedicated spaces will usually display an image of an adult and child on the floor or a nearby signpost. Sometimes both are used.
“In the frustrating event that you spot someone misusing a parent and child bay, it’s best to talk to a store manager.
"Approaching somebody using a dedicated bay without young passengers could lead to a hostile situation, so try not to get carried away by the injustice of it all.”
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