Watford shoppers split on Sainsbury's new parking rules

Under rules introduced last week, customers at Sainsbury’s in Albert Road South must now make a purchase, take their receipt to a parking kiosk, and then enter their registration number if they want to stay for more than 20 minutes.

The company says this has been introduced “to make it easier to find a space when you shop”, but some have claimed it will prompt them to take their business elsewhere.

One Watford Observer reader commented: “£10 is too high. £5 maybe, but what if you want to go there to pick up lunch? I go there a lot and there are always loads of available spaces in the car park underneath.

“Just trying to make money from people - doubt I’ll be going there again.”

“No more shopping at Sainsbury’s," another added. "Aldi is only across the road.”

Parking sign outside the Sainsbury's supermarket (Image: Stephen Danzig)

Debate over the £10 minimum was split between those who often pop in for just a small item or two and those replying that it is hard not to spend at least £10 with 2026 prices. It was also suggested that any smaller purchase was unlikely to take more than the 20 minutes allowed before validation is needed.

The Sainsbury's car park (Image: Stephen Danzig)

Those in support of the move therefore said it was “reasonable”, considering the car park is supposed to be for Sainsbury’s customers but is in one of the most convenient locations for general shopping in the high street.

“I think it’s a brilliant idea,” a customer said. “The amount of times I’ve been to Sainsbury's and not been able to find a parking space because it’s occupied by people shopping in the town centre is frustrating.”

Some claimed it was “selfish” for those not using the store to take up the parking spots for more than half an hour or so.

Calling it "the best decision Sainsbury’s has made for its shoppers", another enthusiastic resident asked: "Why should paying customers hunt for parking while people leave their cars there to eat, shop, or chill elsewhere?"

Several suggested that the change was being made due to Aldi opening over the road earlier this summer, to discourage customers parking at Sainsbury’s but actually doing their supermarket shop there.

Others encouraged people to spread the word about the changes as they had been caught out, parking on one of the first days the new rules were in place for and not noticing they would need to validate their parking.