I was fined £100 for parking in the free Aldi car park

A HUGE shopper has been fined £100 after parking in the free Aldi car park while the store was open.

Nick Pradic was shocked to be fined in the post days after shopping in the store with his daughter in Orpington, South East London.

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The supermarket giant’s parking lot offers three hours of free parking for shoppers – but only until 9pm.

Nick left the branch, closed at 10pm, at 9:15pm, and was surprised to be handed the fine a few days later.

When he went back to check the sign at the “customer-only parking” it showed a maximum stay of 3 hours, but only between 8am and 9pm from Monday to Saturday.

Nick, a teacher, said: “I have lived in Orpington for the past 25 years and have never had a parking problem.

“My daughter and I got to Aldi around 8:30 am and we had to leave the store around 9:30.

“We saw a sign to park for up to 3 hours, but maybe because the store is open until 10pm it will be okay.

“A week later we received a fine in the post of £100, unless you pay it within two weeks, in which case they cut it down to £60.

“I went back to check the sign and my heart sank thinking I had no legs to stand on – the small print said only parking until nine o’clock.

“But anyway I decided to argue because how can you fine people if the store is still open?

“I walked in and said, this is ridiculous, and provided proof we were shopping in the store at the time.

“They said don’t worry, that the manager will sort it all out, and I haven’t heard back since, so I assume it’s worked out.”

He is now insisting that the supermarket change the subtle signage for other customers who may not contest the fine.

Nick added: “When we left the car park, it was still quite full, so I think a lot of people will be fined.

“I haven’t been back to Aldi since Christmas, but as far as I know the signs are still there and there’s nothing to clarify the situation.

“So I think a lot of people will be just like us – got a letter in the post and how do you feel?

“They really need to amend this so more people don’t get caught.”

Aldi is now urging anyone caught by the rogue fines to come forward to fix the problem.

A spokesman said: “This charge was introduced in error due to an issue with the parking technology at our Sevenoaks Way store and has now been resolved.

“Anyone who feels they were incorrectly fined at this store should contact Aldi’s customer service team directly.”

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