2 weeks Ago By Jack Mortimer
Drivers visiting their local supermarket at an unusual time have been urged to check a lesser-known rule that could see them face a significant fine . Whilst more and more supermarkets allow customers to shop around the clock, some motorists looking for a cheap and convenient place to store their vehicle when visiting a loved one may be tempted to use a space in a closed shop's car park . However, Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select Car Leasing , warned that using a supermarket car park when the store is closed could result in a penalty charge notice (PCN).
He explained: "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.
" Supermarket car parks are generally owned by private parking companies, which all enforce a set of strict rules that govern when a motorist can store their vehicle there. Whilst most drivers are aware that they are typically subject to a time limit when using a car park during the store's opening hours, which usually stands at two or three hours, few realise that they could be fined for parking for just a few minutes when the store is closed. In both cases, private parking companies can issue a PCN, which can span from £40 to £100, depending on the severity of the offence and how long the offending driver takes to pay the fee.
To avoid being subject to the eye-watering parking charge, Graham recommended that motorists always check the parking signs before leaving their car. He advised: "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.
" These signs can also highlight other lesser-known rules around specific parking bays, such as the parent and child parking spaces, helping users lower the risk of breaking these regulations..
