Tesco defends new way of controlling Whitchurch car park

Tesco was granted permission to put automatic number-plate recognition cameras in its car park in White Lion Meadow earlier this year with signs warning motorists of the three hour parking-time limit.

The supermarket said it has received positive feedback from customers since the changes came into effect before the summer.

A Tesco spokesman said: “Since introducing the changes to our Whitchurch superstore car park in May this year we have received positive feedback from customers telling us that they can park easily, use the store and visit the town centre. We made the changes to prevent abuse of the car park, which had escalated in recent years and to strike a balance between allowing time to visit the store, use the town centre and keep spaces free for our customers.

“We made the changes to the car park management in May as a result of long term abuse leading to congestion and complaints from customers.”

The supermarket installed the signs before getting planning permission from Shropshire Council, provoking anger from residents and the town council. More than 20The unitary authority received more than 20 letters of objection were received from residents who said White Lion Meadow should stay as a public/community car park and should remain as such.

However, Tesco bosses said they had been approached by some customers who said they found it difficult to park there to carry out their food shop.