30 Apr 2025
Just over 10 weeks since controversial charges for on-street parking were introduced by the district council – and on the eve of crucial local elections – SADC leader Paul de Kort has agreed to a review of the scheme.
It follows pressure from Harpenden MP Victoria Collins, who took the unprecedented step of writing to Cllr de Kort having previously avoided becoming directly involved in the row because of the defined jurisdictions of Member of Parliament and district council.
Retailers and residents alike have opposed the measures – which were revealed by the St Albans Times last February – with an e-petition opposing the scheme signed by 1,774 people, and a further 1,264 and 6,022 signing paper and Change.org versions.
But SADC pushed ahead with the charges regardless, abolishing free one and two hour slots in favour of one 30 minute period per day. The changes came into effect on Monday February 17, with many businesses reporting an immediate drop in footfall and customer spend.
In her letter to Cllr de Kort, Victoria wrote: “Constituents and local businesses alike have contacted me concerned that the charges are impacting their ability to head into town and impacting on businesses.”
She asked him for clarification on key issues highlighted by her constituents.
“How is [SADC] measuring the impact of the changes on local residents and businesses in Harpenden, and ensuring an open dialogue with those businesses impacted? How and when will this be reviewed over the coming months?
“As part of a review, what is the feasibility of having one-hour free parking before any charges? What are the next steps for simplifying the payment system?”
In a response seen by the St Albans Times, Cllr de Kort said SADC’s parking services team were monitoring the use of free and paid sessions, and once enough data had been obtained it will be reviewed along with the usage of town centre car parks.
“Parking services will also collate feedback from all customers, including residents and businesses, and will use this to feed into the review process and explore potential changes to how the scheme is managed.”
But he warned that any review must allow time for a scheme to have bedded in, which is usually no sooner than 12 months after implementation.
“I have, however, asked officers to provide reports on data that can be reviewed in the meantime, and the council welcomes any evidence-based input from any organisation and body.”
He said any future review would revisit the possibility of one-hour free parking if the evidence supported this.
Finally, he revealed that a solution to the need to use two codes has been developed and a single code system commencing testing in May.
Following her response from Cllr de Kort, Victoria said: “Ensuring Harpenden has a thriving town centre, supporting local businesses and improving services for local people remains a top priority. After years of budget cuts from the Conservatives, it’s a travesty that many councils, including St Albans City and District, have been forced to make tough decisions such as increasing charges, to maintain key services. When it comes to parking it is important to get this right for Harpenden.
“After several discussions, I’m pleased that the council remains open to feedback and is committed to a review of the parking system.
“I’m also pleased to hear that they have not just listened but acted on resident feedback to push for simpler payment solutions including a one-code payment, and that this is expected to happen soon. I will continue to follow this and push for work across councils to ensure there’s a holistic approach to supporting our town from transport, parking and local services for Harpenden.”
