Tesco to introduce a minimum spend at Walsall supermarket to stop people parking up without buying
Tesco will introduce a minimum £5 spend requirement at a Black Country branch to combat town centre visitors parking without buying anything.
At the moment, people can park at the Tesco Extra on Littleton Street in Walsall for two hours for free.
But, from Tuesday October 18, people will have to spend £5 and obtain a voucher which they will then have to validate at a parking machine in order to leave without being fined, although it will not apply to anyone staying for less than half an hour.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology will be used to snare anyone looking to park without making a purchase.
Tesco claim the move is 'designed to protect those growing increasingly frustrated by the misuse of spaces by motorists who aren't using the store.'
Store manager Peter Vinnicombe said: "We've received lots of feedback from customers in store that they're growing frustrated by the lack of available parking spaces, because the facility is being misused by other motorists.
"The system will be really easy to use, generating a unique code for customers on their shopping receipts.
"As long as they meet the minimum spend of £5 in store, customers will be able to park for up to two hours. The minimum spend also does not apply to customers who park for less than 30 minutes."
The Tesco Extra on Littleton Street Walsall is one of nine in the country which is getting the new technology. Bosses claim the store has 'long suffered from misuse of its car park because of its location.'
Jess Savage, who lives in Walsall, said she was in favour of charging in the car park because of rows she had seen motorists have when they could not get a parking space there.
She said: "I think it will probably be a lot better. I have seen some arguments that were disgusting – over a car parking space."
Sweat Union gym users will still be able to get two hours free car parking when the changes are enforced next month.
Natalie Worgan, from Willenhall, said of the changes: "I am surprised they haven't done it before. Everyone parks in there."
Other car parks near Tesco include Walsall Council's Green Lane car park.
