Shoppers were left frustrated after car parking time restrictions at a Sainsbury’s store were changed without notice.
The previous time limit of three hours was reduced to two, which caused confusion among customers in Beeston.
Despite new signs being introduced, the camera upon entering the car park still displays the usual three-hour limit.
Richard Roberts, 44, from Beeston, said: “For years and years it has always been a three-hour limit on parking here, as many of us continue to shop around Beeston after browsing Sainsbury’s.”
“I don’t understand the sudden need to change it all. It’s just going to discourage the regular shoppers from spending time in Beeston.”
However, not everybody believes this change is an issue, with some locals believing that the tighter parking rules might free up spaces.
Julie Thornton, 63, who also lives in the area, said: “I often see a lot of people just leaving their cars here and not actually entering Sainsbury’s.”
“Sometimes the overflow is so great that cars are lining the surrounding streets as they have no where else to park, which also is a separate issue in itself.”
The issue is due to be brought up for discussion at Broxtowe Borough Council’s next meeting.
Councillor David Watts said: “The car park has never been for just Sainsbury’s customers, it’s for anyone who shops in Beeston town centre, and it has been since the original lease in 1980.”
Shoppers are being urged to carefully check all signage around the car park to avoid any potential fines for overstaying.
Those who have been fined for overstaying the new two hour limit should contact Sainsbury’s directly.
