Dacorum Borough Council (DBC) is considering new tactics to beat inflation pressures, by scrapping free parking in Hemel Hempstead and raising car park fees by 40p.
A cabinet consultation took place on Tuesday, July 18, but the Parking Service Tariff Proposal has been deferred until the Cabinet meeting later this year, to “allow officers to carry out further financial modelling, to allow Councillors to review various aspects of the proposals in further detail before Cabinet decides to formally consult residents on proposed changes.”
Councillor Sally Symington, portfolio holder for corporate and commercial services, said: “We appreciate at a time of high inflation and rising interest rates, that any extra cost – however small in relation to car prices, fuel and car tax – will impact motorists.
“However, there is a need to balance this with the fact that the Council also faces financial challenges from inflation, rising costs to deliver services and decreased central Government funding, and so needs to cover the cost of delivery of essential services”.
A petition set up by residents has reached more than 500 signatures, with comments expressing concern over this proposal. One said: “It will harm local businesses. Often, I will stop to ‘pop in’. The hassle and additional cost of paying for parking will dissuade me.”
Another said: “The effect on small businesses will be catastrophic.”
When thequeen came to Hemel in 1953 she declared all parking in Hemel Hempstead would be free
What happen to that
I think the old town will suffer even more especially if you stay charging for parking at gadebride park
I’m very upset I thought the Liberal Democrat’s wher going to be different
I will rethink who I vote for in the future