CONCERNED shoppers fear a new three hour parking limit at a Maldon superstore will hit people using the town’s park and ride.

Tesco, in Fullbridge, has submitted a planning application to Maldon District to install two ANPR cameras and new signs.

The cameras are being installed to enforce a three hour parking limit.

Tesco also runs a park and ride service from the store, allowing shoppers to park in its car park and catch the bus to the High Street.

But residents have become concerned after it was not made clear whether Tesco will waive the time limit for people using the park and ride.

Shoppers took to Facebook to debate the issue.

Joeann Cottrill said: “So this will no longer be a park and ride car park? So surely this will harm Maldon high street shops.”

Sarah Cole said: “One of the main reasons Tesco were able to build a store there was on the understanding that people could park there and get the bus up to town?”

Louise Whitworth added: “Tesco have only been concerned about who uses their car park since Lidle opened. They’re not just gonna sit back and provide free parking for the competition.”

But other residents believed the restriction would be a good thing for people using the store.

Laura Marie Elsey said: “Good! Might actually be able to get parked on a Saturday then!”

Tams Watt added: “To be fair you don’t really spend three hours in Tes- co anyway do you?”

A Tesco spokesman said: “We have submitted a planning application for an ANPR system in our Maldon car park to help ensure customers are able to park.

“We are assessing options to make reservations for the park and ride.”