A consultation has begun over controversial plans to introduce parking charges in Harpenden town centre.

While the introduction of fees would bring a much-needed boost to council coffers, critics of the plan say it could 'kill' the high street and harm small businesses.

If approved, only the first 20 minutes of parking would be free, with fees applying thereafter.

Drivers would be expected to pay £2.50 for an hour of parking and £5 for two hours.

Harpenden High Street contains around 130 businesses, many of them independent retailers who rely on footfall and 'impulse' purchases.

Harpenden town councillor Richard Scott is one of many opposed to the plans, although is sympathetic to the need to raise funds.

He told the Herts Ad: "I personally don't think that these plans will 'kill the high street', but I am concerned that it will degrade the shopping experience and really hurt a lot of retailers.

"I would feel very bad personally if any of these businesses had to stop trading as a result of this.

"We need to pay very close attentions to the concerns of our local retailers. I'd like to see an hour of parking for free and then maybe £1 charged for the next hour."

Cllr Scott claims that the charges would see "three or four" shops close in the next year.

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A crunch meeting of Harpenden Town Council is set to take place tonight (July 22), giving business owners a chance to voice their opinions on the consultations.

A petition calling for a minimum of one hour of free parking has already received more than 5,000 signatures since its launch last week.

But St Albans City and District Council (SADC) remain committed to the plans and are intent on promoting what they see as the positive aspects, in addition to the funds the fees will raise.

Cllr Helen Campbell, chair of SADC's Public Realm Committee and parking lead, said: Some of the speculation has been wrong – we are not, for example, proposing to do away with free parking, stopping people making a dash to the shops or other businesses.

"I believe the changes will benefit the community as a whole by promoting active travel and discouraging people from parking on the street longer than they need."

The consultation has opened and the public can have their say on the proposals until August 14 by visiting the council's website.