Getting time back: Tesco apologises after parking hours at Lewes store were 'wrongly' reduced
The supermarket chain Tesco has apologised and removed parking signs that claimed its Lewes store was reducing the time allowance at its car park from three hours to two.
There was an outcry on social media this week when signs were replaced advising customers of the changes.
Cllr Kevin West wrote to the enforcement officer at the South Downs National Park Planning Authority querying the cut in the maximum stay and restricting parking to customers of the store.
He asked the authority to investigate whether these proposals are consistent with approvals associated with planning consent: LW/08/1388 and the subsequent Section 106 of that agreement.
This stated that, after a request from Lewes District Council, the duration of any stay in the car park has been extended to three hours in order to allow drivers to visit both the store and the town centre.
The document also stated that all car parking spaces are made available to use by customers of the development and the existing class A1 retail store free of charge on a short term basis up to a maximum of three hours.
Cllr West asked whether Tesco had sought approval to change the Car Park Management Plan and whether Lewes District Council had granted such approval.
He concluded the Tesco car park has long served as an important component of access to Lewes town centre and the Car Park Management Plan expressly recognises the role of the three hour limit in enabling linked trips to the store and other town centre businesses.
A Tesco spokesperson has confirmed that time limits displayed on the recently-installed car park signage at their Lewes superstore were incorrect and will be updated as soon as possible. They have apologised for the inconvenience caused.
The spokesperson said: “Customers can still park for free for up to three hours to complete their shopping in-store. If a customer needs any time when shopping they can talk to the instore team who will be happy to help.“
They went on to say it’s important to them that all customers can find a space when they visit the store. To help them better manage spaces, parking restrictions are in place.