Parking strife is out to frighten our old folks
Fine mess as firms ramp up the fear factor
Older people panic but they have already paid their way in life
Willie Jolliffe
Trips to the supermarket can be a costly enough experience.
But thanks to premium price car parks, packing your wallet has never been more important.
Possible fines up to £ 100 is becoming an ever increasing risk for shoppers outstaying their welcome.
And with it can come threatening legal letters pledging court action should you fail to pay.
Our story on Ayr OAP, Thomas Little, falling foul of such a rule at Aldi sparked a big reaction from readers.
And out on the streets, the feeling against big grocery fines is clear.
Drew Semple, 50, of Ayr, said: “I really object to how these companies threaten folk – especially older people.
“For every ten letters they send out, they rely on just a couple to cough up.”
Danish tourist, Birgit Jensen, admits the tactic is not restricted to our shores.
Birgit, 57, of Copenhagen, said: “I’ve had this kind of fine myself back at home and was even taken all the way to court.
“But I won the case, so my advice would always be to fight it out.”
Harry Downie, of Josef Hairdressing in Ayr’s Sandgate, said: “I can understand why people don’t pay. It’s all about pressurising people.”
And chef Willie Jolliffe, 42, of Prestwick, added: “Older people panic but they have already paid their way in life and shouldn’t be put through this kind of thing.”