Who can use 'parents with prams' spaces?

We often get asked who can use parking spots designated for parents with prams, including whether these spots are also for pregnant women. To make it clear, we looked into the road rules for car parks.

So, What Does the Law Say?

Parking spaces designated for parents with prams are provided as a courtesy by car park owners and are not enforced by law.

This is best viewed like an honour system, working best when everyone does the right thing and only uses the spaces when they have small children and prams to unload. According to a previous NRMA survey, one in five parents admitted to using these parking spots even when their child was no longer in a pram or not with them.

These spaces, marked with a pram symbol, are usually bigger than regular spots to give parents more room to load and unload prams and infants. They are also often closer to entrances to reduce the distance young children need to travel in busy areas.

Legally, there's nothing stopping someone without a pram or infant from parking in a pram spot. It's up to the car park management to enforce the rules. While these spaces are not enforceable by the law, management can ask someone without a pram or infant to leave a pram parking spot.

The Role of Common Courtesy

It all comes down to being considerate. Everyone has a role in keeping roads and car parks safe and fair. Parents with young children, as well as senior drivers, need easier access more than regular drivers.

Our advice to members and the wider public is to be thoughtful, courteous, and alert at all times. If you don’t have young children or prams with you, please don’t park in a parents with prams spot, so they're available for someone who may need it more.

Always hold your child’s hand, even if there are no cars around, and secure them in their car seat before placing your shopping in the boot. This way, you don’t have to worry about kids running into danger when your hands are full.

Are other reserved parking spots enforceable by law?

Yes, some reserved parking spots are enforceable by law. For instance, disabled parking spots and designated electric vehicle charging spaces fall under NSW Road Rule 203.

This rule ensures that these spaces are reserved for their intended users. Disabled parking spots are specifically for the sole use of persons with disabilities, providing them with the necessary access and convenience. 

Similarly, designated electric vehicle charging spaces are exclusively for charging electric vehicles. These rules help ensure that the people who need these spots the most can use them without inconvenience. 

Violating these rules can result in fines and penalties, ensuring that these reserved spots are used appropriately and fairly.

Do you think these parking spots should be enforceable by NSW law?