‘ I have been given 14 parking tickets outside supermarket’

THE manager of a popular supermarket has said customers are struggling to find a suitable parking space near his shop – and revealed he has been given 14 parking tickets.

Raad Ahmad said he had received the penalty notices over the past one and a half years since Hala supermaket opened for parking on double yellow lines outside the business.

But he said there were very few alternative places to park, and claimed that the restrictions were driving customers away.

The large grocery shop and bakery in the Anderston Quay area sells Mediterranean and Arabic food, and Mr Ahmad said it has something for everyone on “quiet” Warroch Street.

However, the dad claims it is unfair that parking wardens visit the street as it puts customers off, while staff are doing their best to “serve the community.”

The council said it has received complaints about parking on the street and pointed out that failing to comply to restrictions creates a road safety risk.

Mr Ahmad said: “I have had to pay £ 60. There is a problem with the traffic wardens – they keep putting tickets. It is not fair, as we try to serve. Some customers get tickets and don’t come back. “

His latest ticket was received on Tuesday, March 22.

He added: “We serve the community and do our best. We offer fresh bread, Arabic sweets, fresh fruit and vegetables and have different nationalities visiting.

“People come here and find everything.”

Faten Hameed, chairperson of the Scottish Iraqi Association, said the shop’s wide range of stock brings “East to West” but having traffic wardens outside makes it “hard for people to do their shopping”.

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “Parking restrictions are in place to promote road safety, ease congestion and ensure limited road space is shared as equitably as possible.

“A failure to observe parking restrictions creates a risk to road safety, contributes to traffic delays and causes frustration among other drivers.

“Parking attendants can only ever issue a penalty charge notice where there is evidence of a failure to comply with the road regulations.

“The best way to avoid a parking fine is to observe the parking restrictions in the first place.”

He added: “We have received complaints about how vehicles are parked.”

A parking ticket in Glasgow currently costs £ 60, discounted to £ 30 if paid within 14 days.

Another supermarket, Zad Foods, in Townhead, has had issues with parking for customers, according to Ms Hameed.

She said the business had been concerned about a now onhold plan to introduce parking charges after 6pm, as many people shop in the evening.

Ms Hameed added: “It is a vital business for the area. They serve the whole community but parking is a big thing.”