PUBLIC STATEMENT – Waitrose Car Park ANPR
Ampthill Town Council is aware of concerns raised by residents regarding the recent introduction of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) enforcement at the Waitrose town centre car park.
At an Extraordinary meeting held on 12 November 2025, the Council considered these concerns and resolved to formally set out its concerns to Waitrose, seeking urgent clarification on several matters, including:
- Enforcement practices and grace periods.
- How exemptions, under their ‘whitelist policy’ are being managed.
- The handling/refund of any penalty notices issued in error.
- Compliance with conditions previously agreed by the Council.
The Council has also reiterated its expectation that the ANPR system should not have a greater impact on town centre businesses or residents than the previous ‘car park attendant’ enforcement arrangements.
Waitrose has been asked to provide a full response by 24 November 2025, to allow the Council to consider this matter at its meeting on 26 November 2025
In the meantime, if you have received a penalty charge that you believe was issued incorrectly, please contact Waitrose Customer Services directly as soon as possible. Waitrose has the ability to review and cancel charges where appropriate. Providing details such as your vehicle registration, date/time of parking, and any supporting information will help resolve issues quickly.
Ampthill Town Council will continue to monitor this matter and provide updates following the next meeting. Our priority is to ensure that car park management supports both local businesses and the wider community.
Thank you to everyone who has shared feedback on this matter to-date.
Town Councillors will continue to monitor ‘public feeling’ on this matter over the coming weeks and will be open to receiving further feedback on any unresolved issues that have been previously reported to Waitrose. Alternatively, these can be reported by email to: council@ampthill-tc.gov.uk
We appreciate your continued feedback and cooperation as we work to ensure fair and effective car park management for the benefit of our community.
AMPTHILL TOWN COUNCIL – Dated: 14th November 2025