CUSTOMERS at a Yate supermarket are up in arms over severe new parking restrictions which have led to many people being fined simply for doing their weekly shop.

Budget store Lidl has introduced a free 10 minute limit and a number plate recognition system which picks up cars entering and exiting the car park. In an attempt to crack down on people not shopping at the store from using the car park, genuine customers must present the registration number of their vehicle to a cashier when paying for their goods or face a fine of up to £90.

The company says the tough new rules are fair but shoppers and loyal customers say they are being treated ‘heavy-handedly’ and have vowed to boycott the supermarket.

Pensioner Pauline Lane usually walks to the Lidl store on Kennedy Way from her home in The Glen but last Thursday she took her car as she was on her way to visit her grandson and wanted to pick up some of his favourite chocolate from the store.

The 72-year-old said: “I was in there for 38 minutes doing my shopping. I didn’t see any signs about the new parking system and I wasn’t asked for my registration number.

“Then on Saturday I received a fine for £90. I could’t believe it, I must have read it 20 times and it has really upset me.

“I am the kind of person who does not do anything wrong and I only have my pension so there is no way I can pay £90.”

Mrs Lane, who has shopped at Lidl since it opened in Yate, added: “They obviously have a problem with parking which needs sorting but they have gone about it in totally the wrong way.

“They should have informed people first but they have been really heavy handed. I am not going to shop there again.”

Stacey Browne, who also lives in Yate, has refused to pay a £90 fine she has been issued after exceeding the 10 minutes free parking.

“I think it is wrong,” she said. “I had my 84-year-old nan with me who cannot walk and we needed to pop to the bank and Post Office hence why we parked there.

“I have no intention of paying it as this is not done via the council so I don’t see how they can charge us.

“I now go to Emerson’s Green to shop as it’s too much hassle. Lidl will lose a lot of custom.”

Chantel Coles parked in the car park while she attended a maternity appointment at the West Gate Health Centre opposite.

“Fair enough I didn't go in the shop but I wasn't aware of new parking laws,” she said. “It costs less to use a pay and display which they could do if people were using the car park for over an hour.

“Ten minutes free is ridiculous. And what if you did go in Lidl and didn't buy anything?”

The Lidl UK Facebook page has been inundated with complaints from angry customers in Yate with many refusing to pay and demanding a reason why the tough new rules have been put in place.

A spokesman for Lidl UK said: “Our customers’ wishes are paramount and shape the way that we operate as a business. This is why we, unfortunately, have to have management systems in a small number of our car parks, including Yate.

"Whilst we of course understand that it’s not always possible to please everyone, ensuring availability of car parking spaces for our customers is key in helping to achieve a pleasant shopping experience.

“Our car parks are well sign posted, to help avoid any confusion. However, we still encourage any genuine Lidl customers who have received a parking charge notice to get in touch with us directly via our customer service hotline number and we will look into their case.

"Customers who have special requirements and may have difficulty with the parking restrictions in place, should also get in touch with our customer services team who will find a solution to their car parking needs.”