Supermarket fine warning for shoppers over little known rule

Supermarket car parks are governed by strict rules, typically involving time limits and designated bays, with fines handed out to motorists who flout instructions.

Most motorists are aware they risk a fine for indiscretions like overstaying or abusing parent and child parking bays.

But many drivers aren’t aware they can be hit with a charge of up to £100 for simply parking in the car park outside of the store’s opening hours – even if the car park is completely empty.

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The issue has been highlighted by Select Car Leasing , with UK motorists urged to be aware of the dangers.

Expert Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, said: “Parking in a supermarket car park when the store is closed sounds completely fine on the face of it.

“The car park is likely to be empty, with no-one around, and it might be a convenient location for you to leave your vehicle as you head elsewhere. Where’s the harm?

“But parking in a supermarket outside of its opening hours 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 punish after or before-hours parking, but many do, and it’s an issue that’s causing real confusion among motorists.”

Supermarket car parks sit on private land, with rules often enforced by private enforcement companies in the form of Parking Charge Notices (PCNs), which can run from around £40 to £100.

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Many supermarket car parks make use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, with letters demanding payment dished-out in the post.

All supermarket car parks should clearly display their parking rules, including time limits, parking within marked bays, using disabled bays, and the rules surrounding parent and child bays – which often stipulate that a driver should be accompanied by a child aged 12 years or younger.

Mr Conway adds: “A supermarket car park is provided so that you can use the store in the most convenient manner possible.

“While it sounds harsh and punitive, it makes sense that car parking fines could be levied if the shop itself is closed.”