Residents will no longer be able to park for free at Newberries Car Park in Radlett, following Hertsmere Borough Council’s (HBC) decision to drastically increase subsidy rates.
Aldenham Parish Council (APC) had subsidised parking for many years, at an annual cost of £12,500. When HBC decided to increase charges to £60,000, APC decided that subsiding the car park would no longer be tenable.
An APC spokesperson said: “Councillors felt that they [would not] be able to meet this unrealistic demand as it would have a negative effect on essential services.”
From April 1, the first hour of parking will cost £1.10, in a move some residents have labelled a “nail in the coffin” for Watling Street.
County councillor Caroline Clapper said: “This will be a devastating blow for both the shops and residents, especially at a time when our local shops need to compete with both internet shopping and retails parks that offer free parking.”
Councillor Parveen Rani, HBC’s portfolio holder for street scene, parks, leisure and culture, said: “The first hour of free parking at Newberries Car Park was subsidised by APC. Analysis of Paybyphone and ticket roll data showed that the subsidy was considerably less than the lost income.
“We invited APC to increase its subsidy to allow the one hour free parking to continue, but they have declined. Consequently, drivers using Newberries Car Park will be required to pay from point of arrival in the future. This brings the car park in line with the other 14 council-owned car parks across Hertsmere. We do provide free parking in our bays in Aldenham Avenue, Newberries Parade and Watling Street.”
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