Drivers now have to spend £5 to get free parking at Tesco in Walsall
Drivers will have to spend a minimum of £5 at a Tesco in Walsall as new requirements come into action today.
The supermarket giants announced the plans for their Littleton Street store last month as shoppers enjoyed parking free-of-charge for the last time yesterday.
Tesco have introduced the fee in an attempt to combat rogue town centre visitors parking without buying anything.
Previously, people could park at the Tesco Extra in the centre of Walsall for two hours for free.
Now, 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.'
The store 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.'
Other car parks near Tesco include Walsall Council's Green Lane car park.
