14 hours ago
Morrisons customers are furious over new car park time limit at string of supermarkets – and they face £100 fine
MORRISONS customers have been left fuming over a new car park time limit that's been introduced at a string of supermarkets.
The retailer has quietly cut the maximum period shoppers can park their vehicles in some of its car parks before being fined up to £100.
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Supermarket car parks are on private land and often run by private companies that impose penalties if you overrun a maximum stay.
Morrisons has confirmed it has quietly reduced maximum stay periods at five of its supermarkets: Skipton, Blackburn, Queensbury, Leighton Buzzard and Southport.
The change in rules has left some shoppers fuming.
One customer at the Skipton branch, referencing a sign outside saying the change had been made to free up parking spaces, said: "I hope Morrisons see the 'improved customer availability' they desire."
Another, commenting on the change at the same store, added: "Two and a half hours max at Morrisons car park in Skipton from June 2."
Meanwhile, a shopper at the impacted Blackburn branch added a photo of a sign detailing the new parking limits, adding: "A warning to anyone who parks on Morrisons car park in Blackburn.
"They have reduced the times you can park there to two and a half hours."
Not all shoppers are mad at the change though, with some understanding of the move.
A customer who uses the Stockport store commented: "Understandable as it doesn't take three hours to do a shop. Even two hours is well long enough.
"I doubt that I'm in there for more than 30 minutes."
Savvy ways to save at Morrisons
Meanwhile, a second, commenting on the change at the Skipton branch, said: "Who the h*ll wants to spend two and half hours in Morrisons anyway."
Morrisons said it reduced the maximum stay at its Skipton branch from three hours to two and a half hours on June 2.
Meanwhile, it has cut maximum stay times at the branches in Southport, Queensbury and Leighton Buzzard from three to two hours.
The branch in Blackburn has seen a reduction from three hours to two and a half hours.
Morrisons said the changes at all five supermarket car parks are permanent, with the reduction at its Skipton store made due to "exceptionally high" demand for parking spaces.
When asked if more supermarket car parks will have their maximum stay hours reduced, the retailer declined to comment further.
It said it wasn't rolling out these changes to all its branches as any reduction in car park maximum stays are made on a store-by-store basis.
A spokesperson added: "We have introduced these changes to ensure there are enough spaces available for our customers when they come to shop with us."
WHAT OTHER SUPERMARKETS DO
Customers can spend up to two hours in most of Sainsbury's car parks for free.
However, some do charge you even for a quick stay, like the Superstore branch on Clapham Common.
Aldi has a limit on how long shoppers can use its car parks before being charged but this varies from store to store.
The retailer says signs are put up at each branch telling you how long you can stay for free and how much it costs beyond this point.
Maximum stays at Tesco car parks vary from branch to branch.
The retailer says signs are put up around car parks displaying maximum stay limits as well as on sign at car park entrances.
Parking is free at most of Asda's stores, while some locations are Pay and Display.
How to save at Morrisons
Buying a delivery pass can slash the cost of shopping online if you're a Morrisons regular.
You also get priorities for Christmas delivery slots.
How much it costs depends on which you get anytime or mid-week, and if it's for the year, six-months or monthly.
You'll need to work out the cost compared to how much you spend on delivery without one to see if it's worthwhile.
Morrisons does a range of wonky veg that can work out cheaper than the main range.
Check websites like Quidco and TopCashback BEFORE you place your order.
Cashback websites PAY you to shop. All you have to do is click through their links and the money is added to your online account.
Search for discount codes on websites like and to see if you can get money off at the till.
Follow your favourite shops on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and sign up to its deals newsletter to get the latest on any offers. We post the best deals in our Sun Money FB group too.
Try switching all of your branded or premium goods for lower level ones and see if you notice the difference.
Morrisons regularly adds new products to its 'own-brand "savers" range.
This is its value range where prices start from as little as 20p.
It includes all sorts of products including peas, spaghetti, marmalade, jaffa cakes and washing up liquid.
Swap your usual items for savers alternatives and see if you can tell the difference.
Shoppers can earn points with the More Than loyalty scheme when they spend online or in store.
How many points you earn will depend on the offers available at the time, plus you get five points for every litre of fuel at Morrisons petrol stations.
Reach 5,000 points and you get £5 off your shopping, plus there are other offers and coupons and the checkout and via the app.
Shoppers also get cheaper prices that are just for members.
