Drivers can challenge 'age limit' rule at Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons

Motorists who accidentally fall foul of a simple supermarket "age limit" rule could appeal their penalty and dodge fines with a simple loophole. Parent and child bays are reserved exclusively for parents or guardians of those under 12 years of age.

These are common in most supermarket car parks with major brands such as Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons having parent and child bays at their stores. It means road users breaking the rules and stopping inside the bays for convenience could be caught out and slapped with fines. However, mistaken road users may be able to argue that supermarket car park display signs are hard to see or understand, possibly leading to cases being dropped.

Drivers could also have their charge dismissed if the information given on the road sign is considered to be misleading. According to Citizens Advice, road users should always write to a parking company if they feel they have been unfairly sanctioned.

Road users can then use any evidence they have to form a case, including photos of hard-to-read road signs.

Citizens Advice said: "You can find a parking company's contact details on the BPA or IPC websites or on the Parking Charge Notice. Check on the notice if you must use the parking company's website or if you can write to them with your reasons for objecting. You must write to them before you make a formal appeal to an independent appeals service."

Money Saving Expert explained that wrong road signs were official grounds for a Parking Charge Notice appeal. However, road users will need to clearly demonstrate their case, meaning evidence is crucial.

They explained: "Snap any unclear signs, bay markings or lines, and areas where you believe they should be. Also take pics of where your car was, the meter and your ticket, plus anything else that might be relevant."

The specialist even stressed that signed witness statements could help boost the case and get a penalty fee dropped.

Money Saving Expert added: "If anyone will corroborate your story, get their details and ask them to sign a statement - for instance, if it was impossible to see the signs."