Tesco faces backlash from customers over changes to parking regulations that have left many feeling aggrieved. A recent alteration to the parking rules unveiled at an unspecified Tesco store has sparked uproar among patrons. According to the new policy, customers are entitled to three hours of free parking from 6am to 8pm. However, those visiting between 8pm and midnight now only receive one hour of complimentary parking, with a further reduction to just 30 minutes for late-night shoppers arriving after midnight.
One disgruntled customer took to social media to express her frustration, highlighting the impact of the new rules on her shopping routine: “Hey @Tesco, I do my shopping at night so I can wander around without my kids and buy nice things that I can hide and eat by myself. It’s a couple of hours to myself once a week. This new policy sucks.” She went on to explain, “I know to a lot of people this probably seems petty and not a big deal, but to anyone who either has kids or works weird hours and has to shop in the evening, or for anyone neurodivergent, it’s absolutely not okay.”
The move by Tesco has triggered a wave of criticism from customers, with many taking to social media to voice their discontent. One user remarked, “I know people who suffer with anxiety do their shops at night as it’s quiet and a much more calm atmosphere,” reflecting the sentiments of many others who rely on late-night shopping for various reasons. Another commenter pointed out the convenience of evening shopping, stating, “No crowds, no screaming kids, barely any queues. Poor decision making, Tesco.”
Speculation arose regarding the reasoning behind Tesco’s decision, with some suggesting it was driven by concerns over anti-social behaviour, particularly during late-night hours. Responding to the mounting backlash, a Tesco spokesperson defended the policy change as a measure to manage parking spaces and curb anti-social activities in the car park after hours. The spokesperson emphasised, “It is important to us that all our customers can find a space when they visit our stores, and…to deter anti-social behaviour in the car park at night, especially outside of opening hours.”
The contentious parking rules revision at Tesco has not only incited frustration among customers but has also highlighted the diverse needs and preferences of shoppers. The ongoing debate underscores the importance of considering varying circumstances and accommodating the requirements of all customers to ensure a positive shopping experience for everyone.