Waitrose in New Malden will be introducing automatic number plate recognition cameras in its carpark from next week.

There was an outpouring of support for parking attendants in October last year when the supermarket announced it would be replacing them with the ANPR cameras.

These cameras are often used to help detect and deter crime, and also as a way to charge for parking.

Timed photographs of a car and a close-up of its number plate are taken as the vehicle enters and exits the carpark. If the driver exceeds the duration of their stay, they will be fined.

In a sign posted outside the High Street store, it said that the changes would be introduced on January 28.

"We're introducing number plate recognition to monitor car park use and make it easier to pop into Waitrose and Partners New Malden," the sign read.

"From January 28, exceeding two hours, or returning within two hours, may result in a £95 parking charge."

The possibility of a fine had people upset though.

Some wondered what would happen if an emergency happened and they needed to pop down to the store, or even if they forgot something, would they have to wait two hours before going back?

These concerns were put to Waitrose which said it would look at issues on a case by case basis.

"The new system is designed to ensure we continue to look after our customers, while still providing free parking for other shoppers visiting the area," a spokeswoman for the company said.

"While our car park has a two hour time limit, we do understand that on occasion there are certain circumstances where our customers may need to return within the time period. 

"When this is the case, we kindly ask them to talk to one of our partners on the welcome desk."