Getting started
Supermarket parking charge (UK)
Supermarket parking charges come from private ANPR operators, not checkout staff — appeal with till receipts, sign photos and payment proof before paying a £60–£100 charge.
How UK supermarket car park charges work, which operators send fines, and how to appeal after Aldi, Tesco, Lidl and other shops.
Supermarket parking charges share the same mechanics across retailers: ANPR cameras, free periods, private operators and delayed letters. The shock feels personal even when the operator and site type differ. This page explains the system; retailer-specific guides below cover Aldi, Tesco, Lidl and others in more detail.
How supermarket ANPR works
- A camera records entry when you drive in
- Signs at entrances set the free time or payment rules
- A camera records exit — the system calculates your stay
- The operator mails a charge if the rules were allegedly broken
- Your appeal goes to the operator, not supermarket head office
Retailers vs operators
Aldi, Tesco, Lidl and others lease land to parking firms. Your letter names ParkingEye, Horizon, UKPC or Euro Car Parks — use that company's portal with your PCN reference. Checkout staff cannot usually cancel charges.
Which retailer guide to open next
- Aldi — often ParkingEye-style ANPR with short free periods
- Tesco — frequently Horizon at larger stores; Click+Collect timing issues
- Lidl — mixed operators by site
- Asda — shared retail parks and signage disputes
- Sainsbury's — Argos, EV bays and Local site short windows
- Morrisons — café and pharmacy visits extending stay
Evidence that travels across all supermarkets
- Till receipt with date and time
- Sign photos at the entrance you used
- Pay-by-phone or app payment proof
- ANPR timestamp request for short overstays
- Operator appeal confirmation screenshot
Are supermarket charges enforceable?
They are civil contract disputes, not criminal fines. Appeal rights and independent review apply on many charges.
Which retailer guide should I read?
Pick your store for operator tendencies and shopper-specific tips — this page is the umbrella overview.
Can I complain to the supermarket ombudsman?
Private parking appeals go to the operator and then POPLA or IPC — not a supermarket complaints scheme.
Ready to check your charge?
Enter your notice details free — ParkingPack builds a formal appeal letter, evidence checklist and appeal points for £4.99 before you send it.