Lidl is testing a new system in a dozen stores across Poland to better manage how long customers park in their lots. The system uses automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology, which involves cameras at the entrance and exit of parking areas to record license plate numbers and the times vehicles enter and leave. If a car stays parked for more than 90 minutes, a contractual charge is applied, although the exact cost has not been officially announced. According to Polish media, this charge is expected to be around 35 euros. It is important to note that this is not a legal fine but a fee set by APCOA Parking Polska, the company responsible for managing the parking areas. The goal of the system is to prevent long-term parking, which Lidl claims limits the availability of spaces, especially during busy times. To prevent abuse, the system allows for an additional 15 minutes of parking time if a driver leaves and returns within that window. The trial is currently being conducted in several Polish cities, including Wrocław, Poznań, Lębork, Kórnik, and Rotmanka. If the system proves effective, Lidl may roll it out in other countries. If not, traditional parking meters would be used instead. The Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection is keeping a close watch on this new practice. They have raised concerns about the readability of the signs in the parking lots and the complexity of the process for disputing charges. Customers who believe they have been wrongly charged can only appeal through an online form or by sending a letter by post. There is no phone number or in-person option available for assistance, which has been criticized as inconvenient. This trial highlights the growing use of technology in managing urban spaces and the ongoing debate around consumer rights and transparency in service charges. As the system continues to be tested, it remains to be seen how it will affect customer experience and whether it will be adopted more widely.