18 Jul 2024
The official public consultation on proposals to convert free parking places in Harpenden to paid spaces with 20-minutes free parking has begun.
As originally revealed in the St Albans Times, SADC wants to change the long-standing one hour and two hour arrangements in Harpenden town centre in order to recoup revenue and balance its budget.
Although the initial cost of scrapping free parking bays and installing new signage is predicted to be in the region of £40K, fees would generate approximately £185K for 2024/25 and almost £268K in subsequent years. Charging for free car parks would bring in £14,300 for the next financial year, and £66K per annum going forwards.
The full consultation can be found here, but the general effect of the order for Harpenden would be as follows:
- Amend the operation of existing disabled persons parking places to at any time three-hour maximum stay no return in two hours in Amenbury Lane, Arden Grove, Bower’s Parade, Bowers Way, Church Green, and Vaughan Road;
- Convert free limited waiting parking places to disabled persons parking places to at anytime three-hour maximum stay no return in two hours in Bowers Parade, Leyton Green, Station Road, and Vaughan Road,
- Convert free limited waiting parking places to paid two-hour maximum stay no return within two hours parking places operating Monday to Saturday between 8am and 6pm in Arden Grove, Bower’s Parade, Church Green, High Street, Kirkdale Road, Leyton Green, Leyton Road, Station Road, Thompsons Close, Southdown Road, Vaughan Road, and Victoria Road.
- Convert free limited waiting parking places to paid two-hour maximum stay no return within two hours parking places operating Monday to Saturday between 8.30am and 6pm in High Street outside 10 High Street and remove the part-time evening taxi parking.
The proposed charges will be up to 20 minutes free (two free sessions per vehicle per day), up to one hour £2.50, up to two hours £5 and are necessary to effectively manage the control and turnover of limited waiting parking places.
Cllr Helen Campbell, chair of the council’s public realm committee and lead for parking, said: “We are aware that this review has already resulted in a lot of interest.
“Some of the speculation has been wrong – we are not, for example, proposing to do away with free parking, stopping people making a dash to the shops or other businesses.
“Parents and carers will still be able to park for free twice a day at the bays that are often used for the school run.
“I ask people to look at the proposals in detail and not rely on any rumours they may have heard. I believe the changes will benefit the community as a whole by promoting active travel and discouraging people from parking on the street longer than they need.
“They also take into account the interests, not just of residents who use the bays, but also of those who do not, such as non-motorists or those choosing active travel options.
“By making parking self-sufficient, we can ease the pressure on our hard-pressed budget and the other services we provide.”
Cllr Campbell added: “We want as many people as possible to take part in the consultation as this is their chance to air their views and help shape the outcome.
“We will be analysing all the feedback before making any final decisions.”
Persons wishing to object or make comments to these proposals must do so by visiting stalbans.gov.uk/TROS where you can find all SADC Active Traffic Regulation Orders – On Street (Highway). Please click proposals in consultation where you can add your comments, view or upload supporting documents.
Or make representations in writing to: The Parking Development Team – St Albans City and District Council, Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3JE or by email to parking.development@stalbans.gov.uk quoting map reference PPB/01 by August 15 2024.
