Supermarket Parking Fine — How to Appeal a Car Park Charge

Last updated: March 2026

Received a parking charge after shopping at Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Asda, or another supermarket? You're not alone. Thousands of drivers are caught out by ANPR cameras and strict time limits in supermarket car parks every year. Here's how to fight back.

Why Do Supermarkets Issue Parking Charges?

Supermarkets don't issue the charges themselves — they contract private parking operators like ParkingEye to manage their car parks using ANPR cameras. The cameras record your number plate on entry and exit, and if you exceed the permitted stay (typically 90 minutes to 2 hours), a charge is automatically generated and posted to the registered keeper.

The purpose is to prevent non-customers from using the car park as free long-stay parking. But the systems frequently catch genuine customers who simply took longer than expected — perhaps because the store was busy, they visited an adjacent shop, or they stopped for a coffee.

Common Grounds for Appeal

You Were a Genuine Customer

If you were shopping at the supermarket during the entire period (or most of it), this is your strongest argument. A till receipt with a timestamp is excellent evidence. It shows you were inside the store and spending money — exactly the kind of customer the car park is intended for. Some supermarkets will cancel charges for genuine customers if you contact their customer service team directly.

The Time Limit Was Too Short

Some supermarket car parks set unreasonably short time limits — particularly for large stores with in-store cafes, pharmacies, or other services. If the time limit does not reasonably allow a customer to use the facilities the store offers, this can be a ground for appeal. The BPA Code of Practice states that the terms must be fair and reasonable.

You Visited Multiple Shops

Many supermarket car parks serve retail parks or shopping parades with multiple businesses. If you visited the supermarket and then a neighbouring shop, you may have inadvertently exceeded the car park limit. The signage must clearly state that the time limit applies regardless of how many shops you visit. If this was not clearly communicated, you have a defence.

ANPR Camera Errors

ANPR systems can make mistakes. Common issues include misreading number plates, failing to capture exit events (so the system records an impossibly long stay), or double-counting entry events. Request the ANPR photographs and check the timestamps carefully. If the recorded entry or exit time doesn't match your recollection, challenge the accuracy of the data.

Inadequate Signage

The time limit and the consequences of exceeding it must be clearly displayed. Signs should be at the car park entrance and at regular intervals throughout. If the signs were small, positioned where drivers would not see them, or obscured, the terms were not properly communicated. Photograph the signage and include it in your appeal. See our guide on private parking companies' rights for more on what operators must do.

Step-by-Step Appeal Process

1. Contact the supermarket first: Many supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl, Tesco) have customer service processes for cancelling parking charges for genuine shoppers. Provide your receipt and charge reference.
2. If the supermarket can't help, appeal to the operator: Write to the parking operator using the details on the charge notice. State your grounds and provide evidence.
3. Escalate to POPLA or IAS: If the operator rejects your appeal, escalate to the independent appeals service — POPLA for BPA members or IAS for IPC members. The rejection letter will contain your appeal code.

Evidence Checklist

• Till receipt(s) showing store visit time and purchases
• Loyalty card data (some stores can provide a record of your visit)
• Bank/card statement showing payment at the store
• Photographs of car park signage
• The ANPR entry and exit photographs (request these from the operator)
• Any correspondence with the supermarket's customer service team

What If They Escalate to Debt Recovery?

If you don't pay and don't appeal, the operator may pass the charge to a debt recovery company. This does not mean you have lost — you can still challenge the debt. However, it is far better to appeal within the proper timescales and use the POPLA or IAS process, which freezes the debt during the appeal.

Related Guides

• How to Appeal a Private Parking Charge
• How to Appeal a ParkingEye Charge
• POPLA Appeal Guide
• Your Rights Against Private Parking Companies