Motorists have been warned never to leave supermarket car parks at Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's, and more without checking one thing first. According to experts, road users must always check supermarket car park road signs before pulling away, and each store is likely to have different rules. 

The guidelines can also change between stores operated by the same company, with urban and rural locations likely to have different expectations. Forgetting to check a supermarket car park sign could massively backfire, with road users likely to miss key information around waiting restrictions, time limits, and minimum spending rules. This could leave individuals susceptible to serious penalties, including private parking penalty fines. 

The British Parking Association (BPA) stressed firms “must adhere” to a Code of Practice which contains strict rules around the use of signs to warn drivers. 

The BPA explained: “Car parks associated with supermarkets, hospitals, leisure centres, retail parks, shopping centres etc. are usually private land and parking is managed using the laws of contract or trespass.

“Typically, a principal sign will be displayed near the entrance to the car park describing who the car park is for and if there are time limits on how long it is possible to stay and details of any charges or free periods that may apply. Local signage in and around the car park may provide more information including how much you will be charged if you do not comply with any of the terms and conditions for using the car park.

“Private parking operators who are members of an Accredited Trade Association (ATA) must adhere to a Code of Practice which provides guidance for size, placement and content of signs.”

Aldi confirmed that there are signs up in all of their car parks to provide motorists with more information. 

Asda also stressed that any stores will be fitted with parking signs which will give information on whether road users have to pay to leave their vehicles. 

A statement posted online read: “Parking is free at most of our stores, but some locations may be Pay and Display. Details of this will be displayed on the signage in the store car park.”

Sainsbury’s added: “Our customers are welcome to park in most of our car parks for up to 2 hours completely free of charge. But if you're not sure, don't worry, each store has clear signs displayed with any extensions or restrictions.”