Woolworths has come under fire over a “messed up” detail in the carpark of a brand new store.
Sharing on social media, a local customer took aim at the retail giant over its Mount Barker South store in South Australia, which was recently opened to the public.
In a lengthy new video, the shopper pointed out that the Woolies store carpark has 14 carpark spaces for parents with prams near the entrance – and only one for shoppers with disabilities.
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She said there are “three to four” additional spaces for drivers with disabilities on the other side of the road within the carpark – but that navigating through traffic from these parking spots can be dangerous for those in wheelchairs.
Footage shared by the customer – who uses the handle @leonietagan – shows the long stretch of carpark spaces for parents with prams.
A Woolworths spokesperson has confirmed to 7NEWS.com.au that since this video went live, the supermarket has made plans to add two more disability parking spaces to the supermarket entrance (see full comment below).
In her social media post, the shopper accused the supermarket of discrimination.
“I just finally went to the new Woolworths that opened in Mount Barker recently and I am extremely disappointed and actually really angry at how I guess unimportant disabilities are to them,” she said.
“The store itself was great, lovely, nice and new – but there is one disabled park near the front door and there are 14 pram parks.
“And then across the actual road, the main road in, there are three or four other disibility parks.
“So my problem is all those pram parks should not be that close. That should be disability car parks, and then at the end of that row should be where the pram parks are.”
The shopper, who uses a wheelchair, said it can be risky to move through a carpark.
“I would have to park and roll across the traffic and it’s really hard to see over cars and cars can’t see me,” she said.
“It is extremely dangerous and it’s very discriminatory of the brand new Woolworths.”
She went on to say that while carpark spaces for parents are helpful, they don’t need to be so close to the store entrance.
“That’s where people with disabilities need access, she said.
“The other thing is disability parks are permit spaces and legally need to be provided at these places – whereas pram parks are courtesy parks.
“Yes, we can park in these car [spaces], but they’re actually too narrow for me to exit my vehicle in a wheelchair. I actually need it, you know, space to get out of the wheelchair.”
Responding to the video, many social media users shared the shopper’s outrage.
“As a parent, I agree! I just wanted wider parks, not closest when I had little kids!” said one.
Another said: “Woolworths, do better!”
A third added: “That’s messed up.”
Woolworths responds
A Woolworths spokesperson has told 7NEWS.com.au that the supermarket is responding to community feedback on the issue.
“We’re aware of feedback related to disability car parking spaces at our new Mt Barker store,” the spokesperson said.
“We’re working with the landlord to input an extra two disability car parking spaces adjacent to the front entrance.
“This change will be completed over the coming weeks.”
7NEWS.com.au understands that the parking spaces are legally compliant.
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