• UOKiK is taking a closer look at how the car parks at Biedronka and Aldi shops operate.
• According to consumer complaints, there is no accurate information on the rules for using the car park; as a result, its administrator charges high fees of PLN 150 or 90.
• The car park administrator also does not accept complaints from consumers who can prove they have a parking ticket.

In 2019, the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection received over 100 signals from consumers regarding the car parks at Biedronka and Aldi shops. Consumer ombudsmen also reported irregularities and negative experiences of these chains’ customers. Those car parks are administered by TD System company, among others. Customers underline unclear rules for using the car parks and their poor marking; they also report the company refuses to accept their complaints.

The first 60 or 90 minutes of parking (depending on the car park location) for the shop’s customers are free of charge but only if they get a parking ticket from the parking meter and put it behind the windscreen in a clearly visible spot. If the shop's customer does not do this, the parking administrator charges a fee of PLN 150 or 90.

According to consumer complaints, the car parks are poorly marked, so consumers do not know they need to get a ticket. It also often happens that consumers print a ticket but do not put it in the required place - for example, they take it with them. Their complaint is later rejected, despite the fact they sent a ticket and a receipt from the shop to the company. The company is adamant also in cases where a consumer left the ticket in the car but it slipped from the dashboard to the floor when closing the door. Sometimes, even before the customer manages to get a ticket and return to the car, the car park staff issues a payment request.

Consumers must not be misled. It is absolutely unacceptable if the car park is poorly marked and the user does not know what is required of them. To expect payment in such situations, especially of large amount, is improper. The basic right of the consumer is the right to information. In the proceedings, the regulations and practices used by the administrator of car parks at Biedronka and Aldi shops will be examined in this respect - says Tomasz Chróstny, president of UOKiK.

The Authority is observing the activities of TD System and analysing whether they violate the collective interests of consumers, which would give grounds for initiating regular proceedings. For now, the explanatory proceedings are conducted in a case, not against any undertaking. We do not exclude further actions regarding car parks at other chain stores.

Consumer, if you park by a shop or some other building, or in a private area, pay attention to regulations and information boards. If you received a request for payment and your complaint was rejected, seek free assistance from a consumer ombudsman. Go to pomoc.php to find out where you will get free legal assistance in your city.

Consumer support:

Phone: +48 801 440 220 or +48 22 290 89 16 – consumer helpline
e-mail: [SCODE]cG9yYWR5QGRsYWtvbnN1bWVudG93LnBs[ECODE]
Consumer ombudsmen – in your town or district
Regional Consumer Centres: Phone: +48 22 299 60 90 – Dlakonsumenta.pl

Additional information for the media:

UOKiK Press Office
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warszawa, Poland
Phone +48 695 902 088, +48 22 55 60 246
E-mail: [SCODE]Yml1cm9wcmFzb3dlQHVva2lrLmdvdi5wbA==[ECODE]
Twitter: @UOKiKgovPL