The supermarket says it is disappointing when the spaces are misused and is installing new cameras and clearer signs.
Dunedin retiree Peter Walsh said he was issued a mobility parking permit about three months ago because of a problem with one of his knees.
Since needing to use mobility carparks himself, the 68-year-old said he had noticed how difficult it could be for those who needed them to access a park.
Over the past two weeks, he had kept track of how often he could get a mobility park at Pak’nSave Dunedin.
‘‘And I haven’t been able to get a park there yet.
‘‘I go at 7am in the morning and all these cars are lined up and they’re normal people just going in there.
‘‘They’ve got no signs on whatsoever and you just can’t get a park.’’
According to the Dunedin City Council’s website, the permit entitles users to park in the marked mobility spaces, which are wider than standard carparks and closer to venues.
The permit must be displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle or else ‘‘there is no right to use mobility parks’’, it says.
Those using the spaces at Pak’nSave appeared ‘‘very capable of getting out of their car’’ and were mostly younger people, Mr Walsh said.
On one occasion, he observed about five cars parked in the spaces without any permits displayed.
It was really annoying and ‘‘just ridiculous’’, he said.
‘‘This is what’s happening and it’s just not fair on these people, especially the elderly.’’
He wanted the mobility carparks to be freed up ‘‘for the people who need it’’ and more active monitoring of them at the supermarket.
A Foodstuffs spokesperson said they were sorry to hear about Mr Walsh’s experience.
‘‘We know how important mobility parking is for people who genuinely need it, and we understand how frustrating and upsetting it can be to miss out on these spaces — especially when they’re being misused.’’
There were six designated mobility parks right outside the supermarket, along with three no parking zones to support customers using wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
The store used Parking Enforcement Services Ltd to monitor the carpark and issue infringement notices.
They performed visual checks and responded to evidence forwarded by staff or customers.
‘‘We’re currently installing new security cameras and adding clearer signage to reinforce that these mobility parks are actively monitored.’’
The goal was to improve compliance and create a safer and more accessible environment, the spokesperson said.
‘‘It’s disappointing when people misuse mobility parking and we urge all customers to respect the purpose of these spaces.’’
