A Tesco shopper is fuming after being hit with a £40 parking fine. The loyal customer was left furious after receiving the penalty for overstaying in one of the firm’s car parks.
They vented their frustration to Tesco over X, stating: “I have been a customer for 50 years, my daughter 20 years a customer. We overstayed in the car park – having had to queue for 15 minutes to get out! £40 fine.
“That’s your right to fine us – its our right to never spend another 1p with you again.” Tesco urged them to send a direct message about the issue.
When asked about its parking policy, a Tesco spokesperson responded: “We’re sorry to hear about this customer’s experience. Where we have parking limits in place at stores, entry and exit times are often monitored by automatic cameras.
“Full details of how to appeal are included in the parking charge.” On the subject of appealing a parking fine, Tesco stated: “If any customer has specific extenuating circumstances, our parking operator will review appeals at their discretion.”
The supermarket’s website provides guidance that most stores offer free parking but this is limited “to a maximum stay”, which varies from branch to branch. Tesco also states that if there is a maximum parking time, the car park will have signs that “clearly display” the terms and conditions of use.
There should also be a sign at the entrance indicating the time limit. If the car park is managed by APCOA and Horizon Parking, the penalty for overstaying is £70.
However, this can be reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days. In other instances, the fine for overstaying may be £100, but this can be lowered to £60 if settled within a fortnight.