This was the email I wrote to the Ceo
My car was parked in the car park of your Gainsborough branch on the 21st July 2018, whilst we were doing shopping.
As a Lidl customer we lost track of time looking at all of your products and not able to move very quickly we also spent a while queuing so consequently I was sent a civil parking charge for an overstay by the people who run your car park.
Unfortunately the receipts were not kept and I paid cash, as I sometimes do but have evidence of other shopping trips as a loyal customer.
An overstay in your car park was never intended, as I have a blue badge and the car can be parked in other places for longer if needed
So this was a genuine oversight and I would be grateful if you would tell Athena to cancel this notice in this instance.*
This was there reply
Thank you for taking the time to contact our CEO. I have been asked to respond to you on his behalf.
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I was sorry to learn that you received a charge.
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Lidl UK GmbH is a national retailer. As such, we have stores in locations with limited parking space and in common with many of our competitors, our store car parks are abused to a significant and detrimental extent. We have therefore judged it necessary to take measures so that our stores parking facilities are available first and foremost to our customers.
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In order to ensure that sufficient parking spaces are available at all times to our customers, Lidl employs third party contractors to monitor and control our car parks. So far, this service has proved reliable and effective in reducing car park abuse and in freeing up spaces for our customers.
Could you please provide the following to allow me to appeal the charge:
· A copy of your blue badge
· The parking charge notice number
Please reply directly to this email (without deleting the subject line):
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
For and on behalf of Lidl UK GmbH