13 Feb 2025
A much-heralded council parking permit for the over-70s has met with a vocal backlash from residents.
The Local Access Permit was introduced in response to SADC’s decision to restrict the heavily-discounted senior citizens’ car parking permit to those people on the lowest incomes as part of a budget-balancing exercise last year.
It promised to provide the same level of convenience that an annual permit offered, while also helping those elderly motorists who struggle with mobile parking apps.
Cllr Helen Campbell, lead councillor for parking, declared: “This is what the Liberal Democrats stand for; a fair deal for all, arrived at by listening to our communities’ real needs.
“I am pleased that we have been able to deliver this innovative scheme that balances the very real need of those who feel uncomfortable with modern methods of payment but who still want to regularly use our car parks.
“There is no statutory duty requiring the council to provide such a permit and I am not aware of any other councils that do. We now have a charging system that is fair to all residents as other council taxpayers will not have to subsidise others on similar incomes, but our car parks can be accessible to all.”
But residents of all ages have condemned the £190 price tag attached to the permit, with furious comments posted on SADC’s Facebook page overwhelmingly criticising the scheme.
Carla Sweeney said: “Not sure why you say this is good news! It should be free for this age group…. Why are we charging our older residents to park, who have lived and worked here all their lives? The majority of this age group don’t have the money due to the bloody fuel payments!”
Sue Whitehouse fumed: “The Lib Dems criticised the Labour Government for taking winter fuel payments but they are no better by increasing the charges by over 400 per cent. I like many seniors I know no longer visit the town.”
Martine Warby said: “Are you proud of this? Money grabbing scoundrels.”
Charlotte Cheshire posted: “Absolutely disgusting! Elderly are struggling as it is!”
Allan Skorka said: “I guess they thought it was a good way to fleece the already struggling pensioners and get more revenue without any accountability.”
And Matt Dovey added: “The council doing the old people a favour by letting them park in their own town for £190.”
The new Local Access Permit is valid for one visit a day for up to three hours at 15 off-street car parks in St Albans and Harpenden, including Drovers Way, Russell Avenue, the Civic Centre, Westminster Lodge and Verulamium in St Albans, and Amenbury Lane in Harpenden.
To be eligible for the permit, you need to be aged 70 or above and be a resident of the district.
Anyone eligible for the Access Permit can apply here: https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/access-permit-council-car-parks
