Furious shoppers have been hit with £90 fines after falling foul of Lidl’s new high-tech parking system.
The budget chain has come under fire after installing cameras to monitor vehicle registration plates as they enter the car park in a bid to stop non-customers from using the spaces.
Shoppers are then required to scan their receipts at a machine inside the store before they leave at the Lidl in Witney, Oxfordshire.
Anyone who forgets to scan their receipt is left facing an automatic £90 fine.
Shoppers at a Lidl in Witney, Oxfordshire (pictured) have reacted with fury after a new parking system saw them slapped with £90 fines
However, critics argue it will create unnecessary trouble for elderly customers or those who are not tech savvy and do not understand how to use the machines.
Town councillor, Alan Beames, said: ‘Sadly, for those who are elderly or not tech savvy, this means an automatic fine, potential legal action and being chased by debt collectors. This is an appalling way to treat customers.
‘Numerous customers on a recent Saturday morning vented their anger at frustrated staff who were informing them of Lidl’s new customer relations policy.
‘Concern is now mounting that customers will avoid using Lidl or park along Ducklington Lane because it has no parking restrictions – thus causing congestion along a busy road.’
Some customers took to social media to vent their anger at the new regime.
One, Simon Hall said: ‘Won’t bother shopping there in future. I can barely remember the day of the week sometimes, let alone my car registration number after shopping.’
The new system is designed to deter non-customers from using the spaces and uses cameras to monitor those coming in and out. But critics say it is unnecessary (file photo)
James Oakey, manager of Home Computer Support Witney, added: ‘This is shocking behaviour from a retail establishment.
‘I won’t be shopping there. I would only go in there and look for alternatives to M&S or Waitrose – not 100 per cent sure I would buy anything – so certainly won’t be going to look now.’
Some customers defended Lidl, writing they had every right to have measures in place as customers were parking on private land.
Kim Cox said: ‘Don’t see a problem, it’s not a public car park.’
Barry Hazell, of Witney, added: ‘This is no problem, the car park is for Lidl customers after all. The only problem is if you go in there for a single item that is out of stock.’
MailOnline has contacted Lidl for comment.