In a world where sustainability is becoming more than a buzzword, major companies recently took tangible steps towards a greener future.

Woolworths, a household name in the supermarket sector, led the charge with an initiative that sparked conversations—and perhaps a little envy—among shoppers.

The retail giant introduced a 'priority parking' trial for electric vehicle (EV) owners at select stores in New Zealand.

This move was a nod to environmental consciousness and a clever incentive for customers who switched to low-emission vehicles.

These parking spots were near store entrances, akin to parking privileges for disabled patrons.

Woolworths New Zealand aims to achieve a 5-green star rating for their new stores through their eco-friendly initiatives. Image Credits: Shutterstock/JHVEPhoto

The initiative was part of Woolworths' broader sustainability plan, as they aim for all new stores to meet a 5-green star minimum standard by 2025.

'We typically allocate about 30 spaces out of a total of around 200 car parks in an average supermarket car park,' Woolworths New Zealand's Sustainability Lead Catherine Langabeer shared.

It's a significant percentage that underscores the supermarket's commitment to encouraging eco-friendly practices.

While Woolworths Australia has not announced plans to introduce similar priority parking in its stores, the concept gained traction elsewhere.

Melbourne's Mernda Town Centre has 70 designated parking bays specifically for low-emission vehicles.

These spots were marked with green lines and signs, making them hard to miss—and perhaps a little tempting for those not yet behind the wheel of an EV.

Customers had mixed opinions about the initiative, with some slamming the reserved parking spaces as 'discriminatory'.

For environmentally-conscious members who already have their EVs, this might be a good addition to the list of benefits of driving a low-emission vehicle.

For those considering making the switch, it's another incentive to go green.

Initiatives like Woolworths' priority parking for electric cars are small but significant steps in an eco-friendly direction.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths New Zealand trialled a priority parking service for electric and hybrid vehicles as part of a sustainability measure.
• These unique parking bays were separate from bays with EV chargers and were closer to the store entrances.
• The initiative was linked to Woolworths New Zealand's commitment to achieving a 5-Green star minimum standard by 2025.
• While there were no updates on similar priority parking at Woolworths Australia, a shopping centre in Melbourne already implemented parking bays for low-emission vehicles, leading to divided opinions among shoppers.

What are your thoughts on this initiative? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below.

 

[novezar]

I'll bet one sure fire thing, &, i.e., these specialised spots wont be policed by woolies staff & every Tom Dick & Harry will see a very convenient close parking spot & park there. I reckon there wont be any warning tow-a-way signs for illegally parked cars. Give us a break. You already see this parking problem in woolies specialised marked "Pick Up" spots all the time. Customers park there & go in & do their shopping. No one queries their tactics at all, especially no woolies staff. What a joke.

 

[muzza78]

What cars are legally classed as low emission besides E Vs

 

[kbwise]

I would much rather see more disability parking spaces in shopping centre car parks. Quite often there are no parks available for people with disabilities. Why should we reward people with EV's when there are people unable to walk far having to do so. This is a problem everywhere and with an aging population, it won't improve.

 

[missie22]

Why not make more disability parking spaces. These are usually all taken up.

 

[Ronloby]

Pure discrimination. There are never enough disabled parking spots and too many pick-up spots at Woollies now, so disabled people must walk further to shop. I find this at most supermarkets two or three disabled, four or five pick-up and five PRAM parking spots. Why is pram parking close to the entrance of the shop? It is easy enough to push the pram, but it is hard for the disabled to get out of their vehicle and then walk to the entrance of the shop.

 

[MattS]

Wonder if they will be as slack about policing it as they are with disabled spots

 

[Colette 3799]

What a waste of time. If its busy and you’re looking for a spot I’m sure most people would think stuff it I’m parking here. We have charging bays in our local Coles cark park and I’ve seen battered old cars parked in them. I agree with everyone else, more disability parking would make much more sense. Just Woolies attempt at trying to show they care about the environment - what a crock.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Two birds, one stone..... Put the EV parking bays right next to the Hot Barbecue Chicken display; when the EVs ignite, they'll cook heaps of chickens at no extra cost. As long as everyone likes "Extremely Crispy Charcoal Chicken" it'll be a WIN/WIN.

 

[Luckyus]

Without an electrical current my vehicle will not work/run?

 

[David567]

Discrimination at best. My seven year old car after fuel, servicing, tyres and one battery replacement still has not cost me the price of the cheapest Tesla. Then take into consideration the immeditae massive drop in value of an EV. ICE car drivers are thousands of dollars better off than the clowns who think they are doing themselves a favour. These idiots think they are saving money. EV drivers don't deserve any special treatment. Too many dollars and not enough sense.

 

[Dreams]

That is sad.

Who can afford these types of cars??
Certainly not those who are struggling in these times.

So the rich now getting preference.
Such sad times

 

[DiRose]

More and more division of the rich and the poor. When will people realise that these EV are far more dangerous to our environment that petrol diesel. From the mining of Lithium, to the 6+/- yr life of the battery, where it's disposed of, and the EV is not worth the stupid amount paid for it. The price of running charging stations often powered by diesel anyway. Wake up Australia. You've been sold down the river.

 

[driag]

Why should woolies prioritise EV's parking. The vehicles are not environmentally better as our governments keep untruthfully keep harassing's us with. If woolies can allocate 15% of parking spots for the useless EV's, then their priorities are absolutely disgusting. make more disability spots available, to assist many people who would appreciate a designate parking spot close to the entrance our local woolies has only 4 out closeto the store entrance

 

[Veggiepatch]

Wonder if they will be as slack about policing it as they are with disabled spots

They can't be policed. There is no legislation in existence to enforce this false "law". So goes for the equally ridiculous "parents with prams" parking.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Sure thing! They work a real treat apparently!

Taken 10 September 2023 at Woolworths Dandenong Junction early afternoon. A Saturday.

What a waste of paint!

 

[IAN3005]

WOFTAM - PLUS DISCRIMIATION.

 

[Gsr]

View attachment 52370

Sure thing! They work a real treat apparently!

Taken 10 September 2023 at Woolworths Dandenong Junction early afternoon. A Saturday.

What a waste of paint!

Who is to say any old vehicle is not fuel efficient for the model it is. I think anyone should be able to park in those spots and if questioned reply that from their point their vehicle is fuel efficient.

 

[Vinylted]

Without an electrical current my vehicle will not work/run?

Without electric current NO modern vehicle would start & run, maybe a diesel provided you could hand crank it, and good luck with that!

 

[Vinylted]

More and more division of the rich and the poor. When will people realise that these EV are far more dangerous to our environment that petrol diesel. From the mining of Lithium, to the 6+/- yr life of the battery, where it's disposed of, and the EV is not worth the stupid amount paid for it. The price of running charging stations often powered by diesel anyway. Wake up Australia. You've been sold down the river.

By the greens in bed with the ALP..