Dudley shop still wrongly threatening car-park users with £70 fines, despite replacing signs

When Aldi opened its new branch in Sedgley on November 7, signs were placed in the car park warning that non-customers would be fined £70. This was despite the chain only being granted permission for the store on condition that the 91-space car park would be available for use by the general public, including parents dropping their children off at the neighbouring Dormston and Queen Victoria Schools.

On November 28, a source at the supermarket giant admitted that the signs had been put up in error, and said they would be replaced. 

The signs have now been replaced, but still say that the car park is 'for use only whilst shopping in store', in contravention of planning conditions.

The store was built on a site partly occupied by a public car park owned and managed by Dudley Council.

They signs warn that the site is monitored by closed-circuit television, and that £70 fines will be issued to anybody who contravenes the rules.

A spokeswoman for Aldi said: "Aldi’s parking provider is due to correct this and confirm the car park is available to all visitors, providing the one hour 30 minute limit is not exceeded."

A source inside the company previously said standard signs had been used in error, and were in the process of being updated.

"We apologise for any confusion caused," she said.

Councillor Damian Corfield, who represents Sedgley ward on Dudley Council said he had raised the matter with the council's planning department, which was now investigating.

He said: "Planning officers will be looking into it. Since I raised the matter myself, other people have raised the issue, including a councillor in Gornal who is concerned about the site there."

Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said officers would be flagging up the requirements of the car park management plan with Aldi.

Aldi has been approached for comment.