In recent weeks signs have gone up warning customers of the £70 fine payable by those who abuse the bays which are situated nearest to the store.

The lack of provision of disabled parking bays is always a hot topic in town and city centres.

In the past disabled motorists have vented their frustration at drivers without a "blue badge" who continually park in bays designated for disabled drivers.

However, that may be a thing of the past as Tesco has adopted its motto of "every little helps" and has appointed a car park managing company.
Signs have been erected in the store's car park stating it is private property managed by Perth-based Town and City Parking Ltd.

They read: "You have told us that you cannot always find a parking space when shopping at our store.

"To ensure that our spaces are available for intended users, the following car park regulations apply:

Disabled parking - display a valid blue badge if parking within a disabled bay
Parent and child - you must have a young child present to park within a parent and child bay."

The notice continues: "Failure to comply with these regulations may result in a £70 parking charge notice."

A spokesman for Tesco said: "The company comes round and monitors the car park as people have been abusing these parking spaces.

"As with most decisions taken by Tesco, this has been based on customer feedback."

Welcoming the news Marion Elrick, secretary of Angus Access Panel, said this was a good initiative from Tesco.

She said: "When I go out talking to groups, especially disabled groups, one of the subjects that always comes up is people who are not disabled parking in disabled bays.

"These bays are usually wider to allow people to use the extra space to get a wheelchair alongside the car.

"Supermarkets in cities have been doing something like this for some time."