SUPERMARKET shoppers are being urged to take a closer look at the signs in car parks and around stores.
According to signage expert Amanda Roscoe of Carrick Signs, many shoppers overlook important notices that could lead to unexpected charges or awkward encounters.
Ms Roscoe said: "Parent and child spaces are probably one of the most debated signs in supermarket car parks.
"People often see an empty space and think they'll only be a few minutes, but these bays are there to make life easier for parents who need extra room for car seats, buggies and getting children in and out of the car safely."
While misuse of parent and child bays does not usually result in a legal fine, some supermarket car parks have their own rules and can issue private parking charges, often around £60 to £100.
Disabled parking bays, clearly marked with signs and road markings, are often still misused.
Ms Roscoe said: "The problem is that those spaces are there for people who genuinely need them."
On private supermarket land, parking in a disabled bay without meeting the requirements shown on the signs can lead to a parking charge, often around £60 to £100, while on public roads, it could result in a council-issued penalty of up to £70.
CCTV notices are also often ignored, despite their importance.
Ms Roscoe said: "CCTV signs are something most people probably stop noticing because they’re everywhere.
"But they’re there to let people know they’re being recorded, whether that’s for security, preventing theft or monitoring activity around the store and car park."
Unlike parking signs, CCTV notices don't usually come with a direct fine for shoppers. However, they are an important legal requirement for businesses using surveillance, helping people understand when cameras are operating.
Time restrictions on parking are another common issue.
Ms Roscoe said: "Parking signs are probably the biggest one that catches people out.
"Usually the information is there on the signs at the entrance, but people often drive in, find a space and don't look again until they’ve received a charge."
Charges for exceeding time limits typically range from £60 to £100.
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