A LITTLE-known supermarket parking “catch” could see drivers slapped with a £100 fine.
Fines may be issued for various reasons, including parking outside the store’s designated operating hours, exceeding the permitted free parking time, or using spaces reserved for disabled drivers.
Asda’s parking hours vary by location, with clear signage indicating permitted times[/caption]
In some cases, motorists may even be fined for returning to the same car park within a restricted period, known as a “no return” policy.
Even if a driver leaves their vehicle briefly, they may still be detected by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and receive a penalty.
Since these car parks are private property, they are often managed by third-party companies that enforce strict parking rules.
These firms are quick to issue fines to those who unknowingly break the regulations.
Many supermarket car parks impose limits on parking duration and designate specific areas for customer use.
Penalties for breaching these rules typically range from £40 to £100.
To avoid an unexpected fine, motorists should check the signage displayed throughout the car park, which outlines any restrictions, including time limits and operating hours.
If a driver violates these rules, they may receive a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) from a private enforcement company.
It is important to distinguish this from a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), which is issued by local councils and carries legal enforcement.
Several supermarkets use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to monitor vehicles and enforce these restrictions.
Those who break the rules will receive a payment demand in the post.
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, highlighted the issue, saying: “Parking in a supermarket car park when the store is closed sounds completely fine on the face of it.
But it can actually lead to a fine of up to £100, and we’ve seen cases where people have been clobbered for leaving their car for a matter of minutes.
“Check the signage as you enter the car park carefully before making a decision about whether to stay or not.
“Not all store car parks enforce after-hours restrictions, but many do, and it’s causing real confusion among motorists.”
Asda said: “The permitted parking hours vary from store to store, depending on the car park management system in use. Clear signage is displayed throughout our car parks to indicate the permitted hours for parking.”
Tesco explained: “It is important to us that all our customers can find a parking space when they visit us. We have parking limits in some of our stores to better manage spaces, these are clearly displayed on signs in the car park.”
Waitrose added: “Our branches use a range of different car parks, including those managed by third parties, so guidance will vary.
“However, all car parks have clear signage to explain the permitted usage.”
Morrisons kept it brief: “It really varies store to store, depending on their location.”
Sainsbury’s echoed this sentiment, stating: “Parking terms and conditions vary from store to store and are clearly signposted throughout our car parks.”
To avoid unexpected fines, always check the parking rules before leaving your car, even if the supermarket appears closed and the car park is empty.
Penalties for breaching these rules typically range from £40 to £100[/caption]
