Best advise is on here, don't ignore it, send a letter as per the template, looking at the responses all the ones I've seen had the ticket cancelled.
I think you will be fighting a losing battle even with a letter if the car park is run by ParkingEye or similar cash hungry companies. If Lidl themselves own the land, then maybe, but I doubt they do - not with having a system like that in place.
Not looking at some of the recent replies one below April 2016....
Hi all, I have had my parking charge from Lidl through Athena cancelled recently.
I overstayed by 18 minutes and explained my situation via email and reiterated I am a regular and loyal customer and did not feel the charge should be upheld. I sent to the CEO, copying in the Customer services manager and Athena themselves.
Lidl confirmed they've asked for the charge to be cancelled and highlighted the rules: Thank you for taking the time to contact our Managing Director. Mr Gottschlich has asked that I respond to you on his behalf.
As you are probably aware, Lidl UK GmbH is a national retailer. As such, we have stores in locations with limited parking space and in common with many of our competitors, our store car parks are abused to a significant and detrimental extent. We have therefore judged it necessary to take measures so that our stores parking facilities are available first and foremost to our customers.
In order to ensure that sufficient parking spaces are available at all times to our customers, Lidl employs third party contractors to monitor and control our car parks. So far, this service has proved reliable and effective in reducing car park abuse and in freeing up spaces for our customers.
I can advise that the system in this store allows 10 minutes free parking, however genuine customers should give their car registration number to the Cashier, this will then allow the full allocated time of free parking.
In light of your comments, I have contacted Athena and have requested that this charge be cancelled. Please note, your comments regarding our parking restrictions have been noted and passed to the relevant department.
Thank you again for contacting us.
Yours sincerely,
For and on behalf of Lidl UK GmbH
Laura Johnston
Customer Service Management.