03 Nov 2025
Further hikes in car parking charges could be on the cards as part of budget proposals being considered this week by SADC.
The council’s public realm committee has set out various suggestions for cost savings and revenue generating measures for 2026-27, with motorists hit hard by what’s currently on the cards.
But it’s not all doom and gloom, as SADC is also proposing to invest £6 million in the redevelopment of the William Bird sports pavilion site at Toulmin Drive in New Greens (pictured).
The replacement of pay and display machines – both off and on street – to remove the option for cash payments would initially cost £150K, but would save £76,135 over the next three years.
Subject to consultation, fees in council car parks would be increased by approximately five per cent, although Westminster Lodge would see bigger hikes, with £1 for an hour, £1.90 for two hours (up from £1.50) and £3.50 for three hours (an increase from £3.20).
Resident, visitor and healthcare permits would also see increases, as would season tickets, and the council’s Access Pass would go up 3 per cent to £195.
On street parking bays such as those introduced in Harpenden and St Albans city centre could also see a hike from £2.50 to £2.75.
But it’s not just car parking which could be affected. The committee will also consider increasing the cost of visiting the historic St Albans Clock Tower from £2 to £3, with the additional £1 per visitor going to SADC to contribute towards operating and maintenance costs for the Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Included in the proposals is a bid to restore the community facilities at the William Bird Pavilion following its closure three years ago, something which Lib Dem councillors have been actively campaigning for.
Council leader Cllr Paul de Kort said: “The aspiration to provide a new community facility at the William Bird site is a major investment in the district’s future and reflects the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to delivering modern, accessible amenities that reflect the values and aspirations of local people.
“Reaching a point where we can now propose this development is an even greater achievement given the desperate financial legacy left by the Conservatives, and reflects the tough but necessary choices we made to prevent the council’s bankruptcy.”
Funding will be derived from a mixture of grants from external bodies such as Sport England, housing developer contributions and other enabling schemes.
SADC is also looking at investing in other services, including meeting the additional £15K annual costs of the Christmas lights due to a lack of sponsorship, refurbishing the shop at St Albans Museum + Gallery to create fresh income opportunities, replacing seats at the Alban Arena.
Savings options considered but not being taken forward include a proposal to introduce a weekday parking tariff on Sundays and bank holidays across all car parks, creating annual savings of £30K, and reducing the number of street cleaning operatives in the district, saving between £31K-£95K a year, depending on whether one, two or three staff members were let go.
Conservative group leader Cllr Matt Cowley responded to the car parking hikes: “Once again, we see that residents who are doing the right thing and getting out and about to spend money in our shops are being penalised by Lib Dem mismanagement of the council’s finances. Every year under the Lib Dems, we pay more and get less. Next year looks like it will be no different.”
