Aldi in Billericay faces calls to adjust parking policy after residents and businesses report issues with 90-minute limits and fines
Aldi Opens New Store with Parking Regulations
The store opened at the former Co-op at The Pantiles, Queens Park Avenue, on November 20. It took ownership of the previously free-to-use car park at the site, which is now monitored by Parking Eye.
Parking Details
| Parking Duration | Cost | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 90 minutes | Free | 8am to 10pm (Mon-Sat), 10am to 4pm (Sun) |
The car park is free for customers of neighboring businesses for a maximum of 90 minutes. This includes The Forge pub, Boots Pharmacy, and ASL Vets. However, residents will receive parking charges if they visit outside Aldi’s trading hours or stay longer than 90 minutes.
Concerns from Residents and Officials
Bosses are urged to consider changing the rules so residents can pay to park for longer. Aldi has stated it will review any fines that customers believe were issued in error.
Andy Barnes, Conservative councillor for Billericay East, said, “Some services on the retail park could reasonably require more than 90 minutes, with no option to purchase more time. We received assurances from Aldi that this wouldn’t happen, and it seems like an easy fix – they’ve got to come up with a solution that benefits customers.”
Phil Bousfield, 33, claims he received a letter stating he would be fined if he breached the rules again after visiting the Forge Pub on a Sunday evening. He said, “I’m sure I wouldn’t be the only one who might be caught out by that.”
John Carter, 67, added, “Aldi has a serious community relations issue with this and should take it up with their appointed car park managers to rectify.” He claims no out-of-hours parking has become a problem for those needing emergency appointments at the vets or those visiting the pub.
Richard Holden, MP for Basildon and Billericay, said he has been contacted by multiple residents about this issue. He stated, “The car park has been the most controversial issue by far. While we are all glad to see a new shop open, access and signage to the car park has been confusing for the general public and needs to be cleared up as soon as possible. I will be writing to the chief executive of Aldi, and I hope they take note so that they do not erode the goodwill and patience of my constituents in getting this right.”
An Aldi spokesperson said, “We are committed to making it as easy as possible for our customers to shop with us. We are happy to look into any fines which customers believe were issued in error.”
