ANPR cameras have been installed at a supermarket car park in Wiltshire to crack down on rulebreakers.
Shoppers reported seeing the cameras being set up in the Sainsbury’s Car Park, on Bath Road in Chippenham, on Thursday, July 18.
An automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera is now in place at the entrance to the site.
Signs have also been put up around different parts of the car park, and on the supermarket building itself, warning that these cameras will be used to fine those breaking parking rules.
They read: “We are using ANPR cameras and/or handheld cameras to capture images of vehicle number plates and calculate the length of stay.
“This car park is patrolled, please observe the following conditions to avoid a parking charge notice of £85.”
READ MORE: Wiltshire driver fined at Chippenham Railway Station
Sainsbury’s confirmed it would be enforcing a two-hour time limit on free parking to make sure its customers could find spaces during the day.
A spokesperson said: “To ensure everyone can find a parking space when they need one, we are introducing a time limit in the car park of our Chippenham store.
“Customers will continue to be able to park for free for up to two hours while the store is open, and we are adding signs throughout the car park which explain this.”
At night, when the store is closed, the time limit will be reduced to 10 minutes, a spokesperson added.
After seeing the cameras being installed, many took to social media to warn others to be aware when using the car park.
Matt Coates said: “Just a quick warning before people start to get parking tickets, Sainsbury’s car park, Bath Road, has new Horizon ANPR systems, both entrances and all exits.”
The news was largely met positively by residents who say others have been using the supermarket as a “park and ride”, despite unenforced parking restrictions.
Lisa Blackburn said: “It’s been a rule of two hours parking for ages.
“I thought it was originally bought in to stop people parking there and then catching the bus at the bus stop and going off for days on end.
“Makes sense to me.”
Fiona Crook added: “Great idea as it can get bad for parking when doing your shopping.
“Hopefully it will free up a few places. Am all for it.”
Signs at the car park say it is managed by Euro Car Parks, but those exceeding the maximum stay will need to pay on arrival through Horizon.
Horizon manages over 300 sites for Sainsbury’s across the UK.
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