Sainsbury's Parking Rule Change Leads to £50 Fines for State Pensioners
State pensioners are facing unexpected £50 fines following a recent rule change at Sainsbury's car parks. An 80-year-old woman from the south coast has publicly criticized the supermarket after being hit with a financial penalty, sparking concerns over fairness and communication.
Elderly Couple Stunned by Fine After Routine Shopping Trip
Jenny, aged 80, was shopping with her 82-year-old husband in January when they unknowingly violated the new parking system. The couple was shocked to receive a £50 fine in the post on February 5, despite only spending an hour at the store. Jenny expressed her distress, stating, "When it came through the post it was very upsetting. They've got you by your ear. This is grossly unfair."
The supermarket operates a validation system where customers must scan their receipt to qualify for two hours of free parking. However, Jenny's husband claimed he was unaware of the change, saying, "The signage is small print. No one at Sainsbury's told me or asked me if I wanted my car parking validated. They need to make it more publicly known."
Sainsbury's Responds with Goodwill Refund Amid Criticism
A spokesman for Sainsbury's confirmed the system was updated in June 2024 and is clearly detailed on car park signs. In response to the incident, the company stated, "On this occasion, as a gesture of goodwill we will refund the parking charge notice for this customer." The refund aims to address the oversight, but Jenny remains critical, arguing, "They're catching people out. People are going food shopping and the fact people might get fined, that is unfair."
Jenny added that paying the fine would bring peace, saying, "We're going to have to pay the fine because it means we'll have a peaceful week. We won't be hounded or worried by the fine." This case highlights broader issues of accessibility and communication for elderly shoppers, with fears that many others may have been similarly affected without recourse.
