Public are 'disgusted' as Tesco Inshes in Inverness is set to introduce new automatic number plate recognition cameras
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Dozens of people are outraged after it was confirmed that a new automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system is set to be installed into Tesco Inshes car park in the coming weeks.
The new camera controlled system will be implemented to keep customers safe and prevent antisocial behaviour at the retail park due to its size and has now limited customers to parking there for up to three hours.
Linzi Macdonald described the new parking measure as 'criminal' and 'senseless'.
She said: "The amount of poor old folk who won't realise this and do exactly as described – go for a cake and a cuppa after their shopping – next thing getting letter after letter, threatening them consistently to pay £170 out of their pension for a little trip out.
"It is criminal and I will avoid that area now.
"People who aren't from here who have loved ones in the hospital that merely visit Tesco for a break won't realise and, again, get slapped on the wrist with a fine.
"It is such a senseless move and is going to really cause some upset for the old folks."
Allan Dubh-Shith added: "This is pathetic by Tesco because the cost of living is hitting people and they are not making as much money, so they have decided to ticket people.
"They want to start charging people for parking if it's over a certain amount of time? Pathetic.
"I will start going elsewhere."
Some people were 'disgusted' with the new time guidelines for parking and were concerned for those carer's needing to shop later on in the evening due to their late-night shift patterns.
Isobel Geegan said: "This is a disgusting way to treat customers!
"What if you go shopping after 10pm because you're a carer or just don't like busy shops?
"Not only are you scanning and packing your own shopping while avoiding the cages of products, but now you have to do it in 15 minutes."
Glen Wallace added: "It would make sense if the 15-minute limit was after the store closed at midnight to prevent misuse of the car park, but not during the last two hours of trading."
Tesco has been approached for a statement, but did not want to comment.
Horizon Parking, who manage the car park on behalf of Tesco, has also been approached for a comment.
