A supermarket in Gwent has divided shoppers over its decision to introduce new rules limiting how long they can stay in its car park.
New restrictions introduced in Aldi in Caldicot now limit shoppers at the store to a maximum of 90 minutes in the car park, with a fine of £70 for those who break the rules.
The rules now also forbid customers at the store from returning to the car park, which is managed privately by Parking Eye, within a four-hour period.
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However, the move has received mixed reaction from customers online, with some angry at the decision.
Amber Jones, 25, said there didn't seem to be any measures for those who had a valid reason for going over the time limit.
Amber, from Chepstow, suffers from fibromyalgia, a long-term condition which causes pain all over the body. She said she felt the new rules didn't account for individual circumstances.
"If I’m honest I don't time myself. I've never felt I've needed to time myself [while shopping]. I think it’s sprung a lot of anxiety. People are struggling enough these days due to Covid and income and having to pay a £70 fine because someone was too long in the shop. They don’t want to be paying any fines for doing their chores."
Amber, who doesn't have any mobility aid or blue badge, and who also suffers from anxiety and depression, said her condition sometimes meant it took her longer to get around shops.
"Sometimes I can get around quickly no problem, but sometimes it takes me longer because of pain and anxiety. If the shop's full or busy, I'll wait out of the way of people."
She added that she hoped for "some reassurance [to be put] in place that if you've got good enough reason you won’t get fined."
However, others praised the decision and said it would make for a better shopping experience.
One online comment said introducing a 90-minute limit was "standard for a supermarket to do" and would stop people using the car park to go elsewhere from "taking up space for customers."
Another added that 90 minutes was "ample" time for a shop in Aldi.
Other supermarkets have previously introduced new rules for those using their car parks. In July, Tesco announced plans for a number plate recognition camera at its store Swansea. It said this was due to its car park "coming under considerable pressure" through being used by non-Tesco customers.
Blue Badge holders at Aldi are able to stay longer if they present their badge to the store.
An Aldi spokesperson said: “We are committed to ensuring that all of our customers can park and shop with us at our new Caldicot store. We are always happy to help customers who may need a little bit more time to shop with us, and our store team will be happy to assist.”
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