This Morning guest calls for female-only parking spaces

A mother was branded ‘sexist’ after she called for car parks to introduce wider spaces just for women drivers.

Rae Martin appeared on ITV’s This Morning to discuss a scheme already in place in China, where women drivers can choose to park in bigger spaces denoted by pink lines and a figure of a woman, or a stiletto.

Mother-of-four Ms Martin, who described herself as a ‘rubbish driver’, backed similar spaces in Britain, arguing women are worse behind the wheel because they are ‘distracted by their children’.

The stance was widely criticised by viewers who branded it ‘sexist’ and ‘outdated’. One wrote: ‘Female parking spaces?? How sexist! Not all women are bad at parking and need extra room.’   

Rae Martin said on This Morning that she welcomed female-only spaces because she struggles to park

'Female spaces' in a Hangzhou car park in China have been painted pink and made wider. They were recently introduced in service stations in the city, prompting widespread debate

‘Female spaces’ in a Hangzhou car park in China have been painted pink and made wider. They were recently introduced in service stations in the city, prompting widespread debate

The stance was widely criticised by viewers who branded it 'sexist' and 'outdated'

The stance was widely criticised by viewers who branded it ‘sexist’ and ‘outdated’

China’s women-only parking spaces are bigger than the standard size and are bright pink with an image of a high heel to distinguish them from other spaces.

They have been available in some shopping centres for years and recently made headlines when they were introduced at service stations in the city of Hangzhou.

While the spaces have caused controversy worldwide, Martin said she welcomed them as they would make it easier for drivers who struggle to park, saying: ‘I’m rubbish, I cant park to save my life. Absolutely rubbish.’

As cars have gotten bigger over the years, Martin argued they have become more difficult to maneuver into tight spaces.

She then claimed that because she is often having to intervene in fights between her children in the backseat she can lose her focus on parking her car.

Viewers were shocked by the debate, with many slamming Martin's 'ridiculous' arguments

Viewers were shocked by the debate, with many slamming Martin’s ‘ridiculous’ arguments

She added: ‘I just think ”Thank you for giving me a bigger parking space it’s going to keep my insurance premium down.”’ 

Viewers were shocked at the debate with many taking to Twitter to criticise Martin’s views.

One tweeted: ‘Female only parking spaces has literally made my skin crawl, if you can’t park in a parking space you need more practise, not a bigger space. And it’s not just women who can’t park!’

‘That woman needs a bubble to live in not a bigger car parking space,’ another wrote.

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield probed Martin about her beliefs, suggesting the spaces could be seen as 'sexist'

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield probed Martin about her beliefs, suggesting the spaces could be seen as ‘sexist’

Motoring journalist Jess Shanahan said the spaces could reinforce the believe that women are worse drivers than men

Motoring journalist Jess Shanahan said the spaces could reinforce the believe that women are worse drivers than men

A third agreed: ‘I think Rae needs to pipe down and practice her parking.’

This Morning presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield seemed to disagree with her opinions.

Holly said that mothers already have mother and child parking spaces, while Phil said female-only spaces could be seen as sexist.

Martin faced motoring journalist Jess Shanahan in the debate, who said the spaces reinforced the idea that women are worse drivers than men.

She said: ‘I do think it’s sexist. There are people out there who can park well and people who can’t. The stereotype that women can’t park well will be furthered with these spaces.’

Martin had said she'd be happy to use women-only parking spaces because she is a self-confessed 'rubbish' driver

Martin had said she’d be happy to use women-only parking spaces because she is a self-confessed ‘rubbish’ driver



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