17 Oct 2025
New parking charges introduced in a popular city centre shopping area have ruined trade and businesses are closing their doors as a result, say disgruntled retailers.
Traders in Victoria Street are pointing the finger of blame at St Albans district council, which introduced the charges in the spring, and accusing councillors of wrecking their livelihoods.
Under the new measures, motorists are offered just one 30-minutes free period a day, with additional charges on top for a maximum of two hours, between 8.30am-6.30pm Mondays to Saturdays. The restrictions replace the previous arrangement of one hour free parking.
Although small signs advertising the charges have been installed, there are no on-street parking machines and many customers are caught out by the need to input a code to obtain the free time, which some traders feel is an intentional policy in order to reap more money from fines.
The Home Cinema Company has confirmed that it will not be renewing its lease, and there are rumours that other businesses will be following suit.
Lisa Friel from the Home Cinema Co said: “Businesses on Victoria Street certainly don’t get the same support other streets and areas in St Albans get, which is a real shame given that we are on the main road that connects people from the station to the high street.”
She said the parking signage is misleading and not located well, with the confusing new app system putting off many customers.
“When we welcome clients into our showroom for a meeting, we want to offer them a drink and so on, but instead we feel we must go straight in with asking if they have correctly registered their parking due to the unclear signage. Some of our meetings can be lengthy due to the nature of our business, but there is only the option of parking for up to two hours, which then means our clients have to leave early or park further away.
“I can imagine these parking restrictions are having an impact on other shops and businesses on this road as again, the hairdressers for example, most appointments would last more than two hours.
“There have definitely been fewer vehicles parked along this stretch of road throughout the day since the new restrictions than there were prior.”
Jean Dennis of Gallery 105 has been leading a campaign to get the charges reversed: “Whenever customers come into me I feel obliged to check where they have parked and if they have entered the code. Still many reply, no I have 30 minutes free… so I end up sending them off to try and work the app to prevent them getting a fine.
“Customers then become anxious if they are waiting to be served as they start worrying about getting a ticket. I have seen, and continue to see, several tickets being given out to unsuspecting visitors to the school uniform shop, bicycle shop, dentists and vets.
“We must continue the fight to get this ridiculous system overturned.”
Thayaparan Peethamparapillai, who has owned TAS Food and Wine for the past 12 years, agreed: “Like many local businesses, I’ve seen how things have changed since COVID – business has already been declining, and the new parking restrictions have made things even harder for us.
“Since the enforcement of the pay by phone parking system, I’ve noticed a real drop in footfall.
“Many customers don’t realise about the restriction and end up getting fined, which puts them off coming back.
“Others try to make use of the 30-minute free window, but they’re constantly anxious about running out of time – rushing their visit instead of taking their time to browse or visit multiple shops.
“Victoria Street has always been one of the best streets in St Albans – we’re right by the station and at the heart of everything.
“Our businesses are closely connected: someone coming to the uniform shop might stop by my off licence for a snack, or a customer from the chicken shop might pop in for a drink. These natural overlaps are what keep our community thriving.
“Now, with these new restrictions, people are no longer lingering or exploring the area the way they used to. Parking needs to be accessible and straightforward, and paying by phone isn’t always the easiest option for everyone.
“There should at least be clear signage or a parking machine available to accommodate those who don’t use or struggle with the pay-by-phone system.”
SADC lead for public realm, which includes parking, Cllr Helen Campbell, disputed the suggestion that the new charges are to blame for the pressure on local retailers.
“The main reasons small businesses are struggling is because of higher business rates and the jobs tax – two Labour Government taxes which have piled on thousands of pounds making it impossible for so many small businesses in our area. The changing nature of the high street and the rise in online shopping is also very challenging for retailers.
“Of course, the district council never wanted to put up parking charges but for as long as central government – whether Conservative or Labour – demands that councils deliver core services but without the money to do so, and only a handful of ways to raise revenue, the council has to choose between raising parking charges or declaring bankruptcy.
“Choosing the latter would mean losing control over local services including planning – something we Lib Dems want to avoid at all costs.”
