Free parking in two St Albans and Harpenden locations is set to be reviewed by St Albans City and District Council.

Currently, two hours of free parking is available at both the Westminster Lodge, near Verulamium Park, and Amenbury Lane car parks.

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St Albans City and District Council has now given notice that this policy will be reviewed, but no decision has yet been taken.

A spokesperson for the council said: "We have given notice that we are reviewing the policy of allowing free car parking for two hours at Westminster Lodge and Amenbury Lane car parks.

“There is concern that this is not sustainable given the rising cost of maintaining our car parks and the pressure on our budget.

“As a council, we are also committed to tackling the climate emergency by promoting green transport such as cycling, walking or buses.

"Providing free car parking close to the centres of St Albans and Harpenden runs counter to that aim as it encourages people to use their cars.

“For these reasons, we are considering a small £1 charge to cover the first two hours of parking and will examine the feedback we have received about this proposal before making any final decision.”

The proposed changes would also see the charging period of the two car parks increased from 6.30pm until 10pm, with a charge of £1.50 implemented for this time period.

Peter Poulain, chair at St Albans Athletics Club, told The Herts Advertiser of how these changes would affect the organisation: "St Albans Athletics have over 500 members ranging from age eight to seniors.

"The club is run exclusively by up to 50 volunteers and they will all be severely affected by the councils planned changes to charging.

"Our volunteer coaches use the carpark between one and four times a week, and give up their time free of charge.

"The annual membership fee is very modest and allows for inclusivity and diversity across the whole community.

"The planned changes will have an impact on membership fees and the associated administration.

"The free two hour parking that the council are looking to scrap provides the opportunity for parents to remain local to the venue while the children train.

"This in turn is the opportunity that we take to recruit new volunteers.

"We are concerned that any charge will stop parents from staying and (we are concerned about) the strain that this will put on the club members financially."