Asda underfire over £1 parking fee rise

TOWN centre shoppers are facing more woe after Asda doubled its parking charges, claiming non customers were bending the rules.

The Chapel Street car park, owned by the supermarket giant, raised its fee from £1 for two hours to £2 for three hours - double what the borough council charges in its car parks.

Asda said it was because too many people were parking there without visiting the store.

A spokesman told us: “Unfortunately due to some people bending the rules and using the car park when they weren’t visiting the store, we've had to take the decision to increase the initial cost of parking to £2.

“We don’t want this to have a negative impact on Asda customers using this car park, so we’ve lowered the amount you need to spend in the store to park for free from £10 to £5.”

However, the move has drawn criticism from shoppers who believe people are fully entitled to use what is one of the town's biggest car parks without visiting the store.

Customer Tony Padfield said: “Asda brings in customers with the offer of free parking, and generates revenue from town centre shoppers who pay to use the car park.

“It's a win-win situation for Asda so I don't see why they have to put up their fees.

“You'd hope maybe a company like Asda would see it has an important role in the community, and take a bit of responsibility to help the town centre as a whole.”

David Gooding of Rugby Citizens Advice Bureau said it was just another blow at a time when both consumers and town centres were struggling.

“I would have thought Asda can afford the fact a few people park there but don't come into their store.

"Every time I've been in, it's been hugely busy, so they're obviously doing very well out of the Rugby community.”

The Asda spokesman added: “We know being able to park quickly and easily is one of our customers’ top priorities.

"We hope these changes will make it easier for our customers to find a space when visiting the store.”

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