Dedicated parking bays for parents and children should not exist, a campaigner has said, sparking a war of words on social media.

Cranbrook's Howard Cox, the man behind the FairFuelUK campaign, which lobbies government on behalf of road users, has hit out at "snowflakes" and "lazy parents" who use parking bays earmarked for mums and dads with toddlers.

Mr Cox believes the spaces should not be set aside for "fit people who chose to have children", instead suggesting disabled shoppers should take priority.

Yet his comments prompted a backlash from parents, who say the spaces improve safety as they are placed closer to stores.

Others have said the spaces are wider to make it easier for parents to get young children out of their car.

David Forden wrote: "It’s about child safety not how fit someone is.

"Have you ever tried getting a three-year-old into a child seat in a normal parking space? Also, stop using the disgusting right-wing filth phrase ‘snowflake’ while you’re at it."

Mr Cox said responded: "The kids' safety is in [parents'] hands not in dedicated parking spots.

"Wide parking should be for everyone not just the snowflakes. A word that is apt in this case."