I called into my local East of England Co-op branch (in Leiston, East Suffolk) in January just before 6pm. It was dark and I parked in the middle – not on the edge –of its car park and saw no signs (though I was later told by staff there were 30!) so I didn’t realise there was a new system. When I went through checkout no one mentioned having to tap the number of your car registration plate into a machine. Considering the parking is free, this is most unusual. The next thing I knew, a PCN (Parking Charge Notice) landed, which had been issued two days later. I filed an appeal online, including a copy of my bank statement showing my purchase of £20.17 at the Co-op, and received confirmation. To date I have heard nothing. To add insult to injury, it said that if the penalty is paid within 14 days the amount is reduced to £60, otherwise it is £100. So much for “free parking”.

RS, Leiston, Suffolk

So much for the “caring, sharing” Co-op, the biggest independent retailer in East Anglia. The AA motoring group is among critics warning that these new-style parking systems are a minefield, particularly for the elderly who struggle with keyboards, as we have previously highlighted in Money.

The company told us the system is part of a wider parking enforcement programme at a small number of its stores across the region. Customers are asked to input their car details into a tablet on arrival in the shop, allowing free parking for up to four hours. It insists the scheme – introduced early in 2017 – aims to ensure customers have access to parking, and that the car park is not abused by people not shopping there. However, it caused an uproar and, as far back as April – after the local council got involved because shoppers voted with their feet, “decimating” trade in the town – the Co-op promised to find a solution, providing an attendant to help shoppers.

The East of England Co-op says: “Where enforcement is in place we ensure there is clear signage throughout the car park, and we’ve actively been working … to improve the process for our customers.”

As for your PCN, it had been cancelled but you had not been notified. It has now given you this good news. We assume you are now shopping elsewhere.

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