Major Parking Changes at Biedronka and Lidl: What Drivers Need to Know

Major supermarkets Biedronka and Lidl are testing automated ANPR camera systems at select stores across Poland, eliminating the need for parking tickets or app registrations for drivers.

New Parking Control Model at Supermarkets

Biedronka and Lidl are testing a new parking control model where drivers do not need to collect a ticket, enter a license plate number, or use an application. Cameras register the entry and exit of the vehicle while the system automatically calculates the parking duration. Tests currently cover over 20 stores across both chains, with Biedronka’s solution forming part of a broader controlled parking system operating at more than 300 locations.

While the technical change is minor, it is very noticeable to drivers. Previously, free parking at supermarkets required obtaining a ticket from a parking meter, entering a license plate number, or confirming the stay otherwise. With ANPR, the camera registers the car upon entry, another camera records the departure, and the system compares both events to determine the length of the stop.

Pilot Programs Across Poland

According to Portal Spożywczy, the solution is currently being tested by both Lidl Polska and Biedronka. Lidl is running a pilot in nearly 10 locations, including Lębork, Kórnik, Poznań, Rotmanka, and Wrocław. Meanwhile, Biedronka and its partner operators are checking the ANPR system at more than 10 stores.

This does not mean tickets are being eliminated across all parking lots for both chains. Each location may operate under different rules depending on the land owner and parking operator. Lidl has not yet decided on a nationwide rollout, and Biedronka still classifies the use of ANPR as a pilot.

Lidl Tests Automatic Parking Duration Control

Lidl Polska confirmed to Portal Spożywczy that in locations with the new solution, drivers do not need to take extra steps after parking. Entry, exit, and time spent in the parking lot are recorded automatically.

The chain declares that parking spaces remain free for customers during the time needed for shopping. Controlled parking is introduced primarily where lots were occupied by people unrelated to the store, limiting free spaces for customers.

According to Lidl Polska, current pilot results match initial assumptions. However, the test is ongoing and will last for the next few months, after which the chain will analyze collected data and customer feedback to decide whether ANPR should be deployed at more stores.

Portal Spożywczy notes that Lidl has not disclosed specific metrics used to evaluate the pilot’s success, nor has it provided the number of payment calls, complaints, or grievances regarding the parking lots.

Biedronka Implements Controlled Parking at Over 300 Stores

For Biedronka, the scale of controlled parking is larger. Przemysław Jurowicz, real estate management director at Biedronka, informed Portal Spożywczy that controlled parking systems operate at over 300 stores, with some lots managed by property lessors under separate agreements.

Not all parking lots across these 300+ stores utilize automatic license plate recognition, as ANPR is just one of the tested solutions.

One pilot location remains at the store at 56 Marcellego Bacciarellego Street in Wrocław. Biedronka reports that the system improved space availability for customers, so it continues to operate there while the pilot expands to over 10 stores.

ANPR Cameras and Operating Rules

ANPR, or Automatic Number Plate Recognition, records vehicles and reads license plates to calculate the time between entry and exit. This eliminates situations where customers forget to take a free ticket or make mistakes entering plate numbers into meters.

Automation does not mean regulations disappear or drivers can leave cars indefinitely. Locations with ANPR still enforce rules regarding maximum free parking duration, overstay fees, and penalties for regulatory breaches.

Biedronka and Lidl state that regulated parking lots feature boards displaying rules, fee information, and camera notices.

License Plate Recognition and GDPR Obligations

Operators must comply with data protection principles, properly informing users about information processing. Clear signage at the parking entrance is crucial for drivers.

Store Parking Fees and Previous UOKiK Interventions

Automatic control eliminates the need to remember free tickets, but disputes over parking duration, fees, or rule notifications can still arise.

Such issues previously reached the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK). In 2021, UOKiK reported numerous complaints regarding Biedronka and Aldi parking rules operated by TD System, where free parking required a ticket or resulted in penalties of 90 or 150 PLN, and legitimate complaints were allegedly dismissed.

The authority also intervened against other managers. In 2024, UOKiK addressed complaints concerning WEIP regarding rejected complaints, procedural transparency, and additional cost demands. The company was ordered to refund drivers who received unjust penalty notices.

For users, the main difference with ANPR is the removal of the extra step to start free parking, though checking time limits remains necessary.

Lack of Statistics on Complaints and Penalty Notices

Neither Lidl nor Biedronka provided these statistics. Lidl noted that terrain management, fee charging, and complaint handling belong to external operators per specific parking regulations. Biedronka similarly withheld data assessing complaint scales.

The absence of these figures hinders independent evaluation of system effectiveness, as chains highlight improved space availability while ignoring dispute volumes and fee fairness.

Further ANPR Parking Tests

Lidl plans to continue its pilot for several months before deciding on broader expansion. Biedronka has expanded ANPR testing to over 10 locations but has not announced replacing all parking models with it.

Drivers may encounter multiple control models within the same chain: traditional free parking, ticket-required parking, plate registration systems, or fully automated ANPR depending on the specific location.