UK supermarket 'restriction' affecting Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons customers

Drivers across the UK could be affected by height restriction rules at supermarket car parks like Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons. According to experts at StartRescue, supermarkets could enforce strict height rules to stop certain vehicles from entering with a barrier of around 2m likely in the UK.

The policy is said to stop access for tall and large vehicles such as HGVs in a possible blow for many motorists wishing to pop in after work. Data shows there were over 500,000 HGVs registered in the country, with all of these unlikely to gain access to certain stores. However, to complicate matters further, height rules are not a standard policy, with certain locations likely to have different rules.

StartRescue explained: "Supermarket car parks enforce height restrictions on vehicles that are too high, since they can cause obstructions. A height barrier of around 2m is installed to prevent access to tall/large vehicles. Some car parks may have height restrictions based on ceiling/roof height - if applicable."

Height restrictions are usually fitted to ensure car parks can remain easily accessible for shoppers. Any restrictions will usually be clearly advertised on signs leading up to the supermarket car park.

Meanwhile, stickers showing the maximum height will usually be placed onto the barriers themselves as a last-ditch attempt to warn individuals. Motorists who ignore the signs and keep driving are at risk of clipping the top of their vehicle, causing severe bodywork damage.

Last year, motorists complained of height restriction barriers at an Aldi retail park located in Rossendale, Lancashire. Meanwhile, the Asda store located in Shirley, Solihull has an underground car park fitted with a maximum height restriction of 2.3 meters

Motorists have also reported a height restriction of 2m at the Sainsbury's car park on New England Street in Brighton. According to Parkopedia, a Morrisons store located on Garland Road, Harwich has a 3.7m height restriction in place.

Maximum height restrictions barriers are also commonly fitted in retail parks across the UK. StartRescue added: "High-sided vehicles can cause congestion in car parks of all types. For this reason, such vehicles may be restricted by a barrier with a horizontal bar at the maximum height."