Pressure to get a supermarket to think again over its free parking policy has reaped rewards.

Hundreds of people signed a petition after Waitrose in Longfield brought in parking meters to enforce a 90-minute restriction. Anyone staying longer faced a £70 fine.

The restriction had always been in place, but not enforced, and the supermarket said it was forced to act after some abused the situation, parking all day throughout the week.

A petition was launched, and now Waitrose has agreed visitors will soon be able to enjoy two hours free parking.

The extension comes in from Monday, January 9, and still with no obligation to shop at Waitrose, allowing people plenty of time to visit other stores.

In a letter sent to Dartford MP Gareth Johnson, Waitrose branch manager Michelle Woolnoth said: “We take our role in the local community seriously and have aimed to find a solution that gives shoppers more time to visit the town while still enabling us to manage a car park which had come under increasing pressure from those misusing it.

“It’s important we strike the right balance between ensuring we address the concerns you raise and continuing to look after our customers.”

Mr Johnson said: “Waitrose is a valued part of the local community. This decision should give shoppers time to use both Waitrose and some of the other excellent shops on the High Street and I know that this decision will be welcomed.

“I’m pleased that Waitrose has responded positively to the representations that myself and others have made to them to extend available parking time in its store’s car park.

“Common sense appears to have prevailed.”