Tesco customers have taken to social media to express their frustration after a shopper revealed parking times at her local Tesco have changed.
A customer shared an image of a notice from their local Tesco, indicating that the car park is now only available for one hour between 8pm and midnight, and for just 30 minutes from midnight to 6am. For those who shop between 06.00 and 20.00, the parking time is limited to three hours.
The disgruntled shopper described his routine of leisurely shopping in the evenings “for a couple of hours” when it’s less crowded. Each Tesco store will apply its own parking restrictions, so the duration of parking will differ from store to store across the country. In response to the changes, Tesco has told The Mirror that it is continually evaluating adjustments based on what customers say.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, the shopper said: “Hi @Tesco I shop at night so I can wander around without my kids and buy nice things that I can hide and eat myself. It’s a couple of hours to myself. a once a week. This new policy sucks.”, reports the Mirror.
In a further update, she clarified her point: “I’m aware the store is closed 12-06, I’m talking about when I like to go at 9pm for a couple of hours when it’s nice and quiet and I can shop in peace literally can don’t believe I have to justify myself for some of your absolute goals.”
She went on to say: “I know for a lot of people this probably seems petty and not a big deal, but for anyone who either has kids or works odd hours and has to shop in the evening, or for someone neurodivergent, it’s absolutely not okay. “
Her frustration was echoed by many other customers. One sympathized: “I agree with @Tesco I could use more than an hour in the evening. Have enough stress at work so I don’t have to rush and shop too!” Another said: “Totally agree, if you” If you’re going to have a 24 hour store, make the parking lot open 24 hours too!
The change in the rules raised questions from the community. One person asked: “It doesn’t make sense… surely the parking lot is pretty empty 12-6am?” While another speculated: “It could be because a lot of Tesco car parks are used when boy racers meet late at night.”
A Tesco spokesperson said: “It’s important to us that all our customers can find a place when they visit our stores and, where we have parking restrictions in place, this is to better manage spaces and to discourage anti- social behavior in the car park at night, especially outside opening hours.”
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