No Sunday free parking at Lidl

No Sunday free parking at Lidl

19 March 2014

LIDL has dismissed suggestions that it should introduce free parking at its Lower Market Street store in Downpatrick on Sundays.

The idea was suggested in the wake of mounting criticism of the leading retailer after almost 180 parking tickets were dished out to people who breached new parking regulations introduced at the store.

A number of tickets were issued to people who parked their cars after the store had closed. The Recorder  has discovered that parking tickets were also issued to Lidl staff.

In the wake of stinging criticism Lidl recently ordered a review of the fines which were imposed by the private company which monitors the Downpatrick store.

As a result, penalties issued on its staff and those drivers who parked at the store while the shutters were down will have their fees waived. But suggestions that parking should be free on Sundays have been dismissed.

The retailer said its car park in Downpatrick is the only one in the town which offers free parking for 90 minutes, explaining the new parking regulations were introduced after feedback from Lidl customers who could not find spaces when arriving to do their shopping at the Lower Market Street store.

Lidl said since the introduction of the new parking arrangements, the reaction from its customers has been “overwhelmingly positive.”

In a company statement, the retailer said “any reasonable business has to listen to the wishes and concerns of customers and this is what we have done.”

It continues: “We looked at multiple options, including pay and display parking, but decided on a 90-minute free parking system. It is worth noting that the average visit time for a shopper in the Downpatrick store is just under 30 minutes. Thus, over three times the average time period is allowed under the publicised parking terms. We feel this is more than reasonable.”

The Lidl statement adds: “In relation to fines already issued for parking solely outside of operating hours, these will be rescinded. All other fines will stand. No existing car parking signs at the Downpatrick store will be changed or modified. This car park belongs to Lidl and we reserve the right to operate it as we see fit.”

Lidl said its primary concern is having spaces available for customers and advises that if any customer wishes to appeal a fine they must contact the car park system operators, Athena ANPR Ltd directly. The retailer said it will not be undertaking appeals in relation to parking fines on behalf of anyone.

Councillor Cadogan Enright, who appealed to Lidl to introduce free parking on Sundays at the Downpatrick store, said he’s “disappointed” his suggestion has been rejected. He also plans to appeal parking tickets issued to people who parked at the store between 5.30pm and 9pm.

Councillor Colin McGrath said he is “disappointed” Lidl is not prepared to meet elected representatives to discuss local concern about the company’s new parking arrangements at its Downpatrick store. He also suggested signs outlining the new parking arrangements contain too much information and should be simplified.