Hi guys,

I'm planning to shop at a Matalan near me tomorrow which is also a 5 minute walk to the town centre. The car park costs £1 and has a maximum stay of 2 hours. If I was to stay in town longer than 2 hours, could I get away with simply buying a new ticket and replacing the first one, without actually moving the car? Alternatively, could I just park in another space in the car park and get a new ticket and therefore another 2 hours? Has anyone done this themselves?

I know it's a bit cheeky but thought I'd ask before hand as I'd rather not get a fine. I mean what's the difference in me buying another 2 hours access when another car would do it anyway?

It depends on what the sign says. If it's '2 hours no return' then you have to leave the car park. Otherwise you're fine.

The poster did say they'd rather avoid a fine. 😳

As blueisthecolour says, it all depends whether it's "2 hours maximum stay and no return"

Since you asked, the difference is that the store is looking to put as many shoppers through its car park (and hence the store) as possible. Two hours is considered plenty of time to shop at Matalan and then you leave to make space for someone else to have a turn.

I suppose it all depends though on how busy the car park gets and how well the parking rules are enforced. If it's always half empty then does it really matter? But if the place gets packed then really you should play by the rules and let others have their turn.

I have this problem with Morrison's car park. It says under the cameras dotted all round that it's a maximum 2 hours, after which there'll be a fine.

My son lives 2 minutes walk away, with no parking, so I use a huge Morrison's supermarket car park when I visit him. I'm too scared to overstay the time, but he's told me everyone he knows does it regularly. The car park fines are duly issued but when they are ignored, nothing has ever happened. He says it's because legally they can't collect any fines for parking there. Anyone else on here know if that's true, and if you can get into trouble via them having your registration number ?

Private car parks are under different rules to council ones - the "Fine" is not a fine, but an overstay parking charge - usually about £80 or so. Depending on which company is involved, they often can be ignored - Google "Parking eye scam" for example for more info. Parking eye, are a company owned by Stock market faller: Capita BTW.

No, it is because you are in Scotland where these 'fines' are unenforceable because there is no keeper liability and so the private parking company can only legally pursue the driver.

Thank you both

A bit off topic, but could you consider walking into town instead of taking the car ? Since we got a new LIDL ( 30mins walk away) I do my weekly shopping with a rucksack. It's my exercise for the day and I save a bit of petrol. I also find that I am more appreciative of all the food I buy, having lugged it all the way home ! Just a thought.

Cover yor number plates, drive in, drive out, uncover your number plates.
Or try the parkopedia website for other parking solutions