Full Breakdown
Residents Face Fines for Using Supermarket Car Park in Christchurch
3/11/2026, 2:48:30 PM
Overview of the Situation
Residents of Beaconsfield Road in Christchurch, Dorset, are encountering unexpected £100 fines after being deemed "overstayers" by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras installed in the local Waitrose supermarket car park. This situation has arisen since Christchurch Town Council acquired the car park and leased it to Waitrose in 2025, leading to the implementation of the new camera system. Previously, when the car park was managed as a pay-and-display by BCP Council, residents did not face such penalties.
Impact on Residents
The fines have caused significant distress among residents who rely on the car park for access to their homes. One resident reported receiving four fines, describing the experience as "a bit of a shock." Many residents are concerned about their right of way across the car park, as they have historically used it to reach their parking spaces. The fines are issued to anyone staying over 90 minutes in the car park, which has raised alarms among the local community.
Official Responses
Deputy Mayor Maggie Fidler has advised affected residents to contact Waitrose directly, clarifying that the council cannot intervene in this matter. At a town council meeting, she noted that some residents possess "historic easements" over the car park, indicating that the responsibility lies with Waitrose rather than the council. A spokesperson for Waitrose expressed regret over the situation, stating, “We are sorry to those neighbours who have experienced problems,” and emphasized that they are working with Britannia, the company managing the system, to resolve the issues.
Criticism and Community Concerns
Residents have voiced their frustrations regarding the fines, particularly since they were not an issue when the car park was under different management. One resident mentioned that the fines have caused worry within the community, as several neighbors have been affected. The situation has prompted discussions at local meetings, highlighting the need for a resolution to the ongoing issues with parking access.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ “I know people affected have contacted Waitrose who had said they are dealing with it.” — Beaconsfield Road Resident
- “We do have right of way across the car park, as far as we understand it. If we can’t drive across it, we won’t be able to get to our parking spaces.” — Beaconsfield Road Resident
- “A Waitrose spokesperson said: “We are sorry to those neighbours who have experienced problems.” — Waitrose Spokesperson
Conclusion
The implementation of ANPR cameras at the Waitrose car park has led to a conflict between residents of Beaconsfield Road and the supermarket chain, raising questions about access rights and the management of parking regulations. As residents continue to seek clarity and resolution, the situation remains a point of contention within the community.
