Pain of ‘headache’ fines is soothed

Retail managers in Alsager have reassured customers that “headache” parking fines will be cancelled if they speak to store staff.
Alsager town councillor Rod Fletcher contacted the “Chronicle” to raise awareness this week after several residents expressed concern at being slapped with an £85 fine for staying over the two-hour limit at the Brunds Farm Retail Park.
He said: “Some people have been receiving a parking fine after having a coffee in the new Starbucks and then doing a shop in Sainsbury’s.
“I have met the store manager after local people expressed concern to me that the maximum two hours’ stay did not make it clear that it also includes time in Starbucks.
“I have asked if signage could be made clearer.”
Coun Fletcher said the manager had pointed out that the car park was monitored by ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras at the entrance and exit points, and that the two-hour limit applied to anyone filling up with petrol, shopping in the store and using the café.
He said: “If people receive a fine, they should take it to the customer service desk in the store. The fines will be cancelled. Some already have been.”
Starbucks manager Aaron Hall took to social media to reassure members of the public that they would not need to pay the fines.
He said: “I know it’s been a bit of a headache for some of our lovely customers recently.
“I’ve spoken directly with Sainsbury’s today, and they’ve advised that if you think you might be staying longer than the two hours permitted on site, the best thing is to pop into Sainsbury’s and give them your vehicle registration number.
“This will make sure your vehicle is registered for a longer stay and will prevent any fines from being issued.”
He explained that anyone who had already received a fine could have it cancelled by speaking to store staff, but that it was easier to let the store know in advance if customers knew they would be overstaying the two hour limit.
He said: “We completely understand how frustrating this has been, and I want to reassure you that we’re doing everything we can on our side too.
“We’re currently working to have our own tablet in store very soon, so customers can input their registration directly with us when visiting, which should make things much simpler going forward.”