DRIVERS are being warned they could be hit by fines for parking at a supermarket after “unethical” cameras were switched on. 

Morrisons has confirmed it has now switched on the ANPR cameras at the London Road, Hadleigh, shop despite campaigning MPs and residents opposing the new three-hour parking limit.

Just three weeks ago, campaigners celebrated after the supermarket agreed to review the new limit which they feared “deterred shoppers from visiting neighbouring businesses”. 

When Morrisons opened in 2012 it provided a huge car park which served the supermarket as well as the town centre, however a new three-hour parking limit was announced last year.

After an “adjustment period” for residents, the cameras have now officially been switched on.

However, Morrisons has said it is “still committed to carrying out a review”. 

St James’ councillor Simon Hart said: “It goes against what they agreed when they got planning permission. It’s unethical.

“It’s weakening the high street when it’s weak enough already. Parking needs to be convenient for shoppers to stop them going online.

“Small independent shops could lose footfall if shoppers aren’t confident they can park without the fear of getting a parking fine.”

Mr Hart suggested Morrisons keeps the cameras, “to prevent overnight parking”, but there should be no restrictions on daytime parking.

Echo: Rebecca Harris has led calls for the supermarket to review its parking restrictions.Rebecca Harris has led calls for the supermarket to review its parking restrictions. (Image: Rebecca Harris)

Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris has called on Morrisons to “honour” the original parking agreement which she claims included “providing free parking at all times”. 

She said: “Whenever I have driven past the car park, there are always spaces”.

“I am pleased that Morrisons is committed to reviewing some way for town centre customers to park for more than three hours and I understand the cameras will be needed, whatever the review says.

“However, I do think putting them up now puts out the wrong message to their customers and to residents.

“In my view, they should have waited until after the review.”

A Morrisons spokesman said the cameras were not switched on immediately, “to allow customers to get used to the new process”.

They added: “We are still committed to carrying out a review and it is ongoing. As part of the review, one of the areas being discussed is the option to purchase a permit for extended parking.”