Harpenden town councillors agreed to call on St Albans District Council (SADC) to delay the roll-out of controversial parking charges during a meeting last night (July 22).

The Extraordinary Meeting of the town council had been called following a backlash against plans by SADC to introduce parking charges in a number of areas, including in High Street.

The move has led to more than 5,000 residents signing a petition against the changes, as well as opposition from businesses and some councillors, including Cllr Richard Scott, who told the Herts Ad that the plans would "degrade" the street.

One meeting attendee contacted the Herts Ad to speak of the "palpable anger" he claims could be felt.

Derek French said: "I have never experienced such anger and universal condemnation of SADC in particular."

He described the resolution that was passed as a "compromise", fuelled by "acute disquiet."

After a two-and-a-half hour meeting, where business owners also spoke out against the plans, the town council agreed on an approach intended to satisfy all parties.

While acknowledging the need for SADC to raise funds, councillors passed a motion calling for the establishment of a 'task and finish group' with representation from both local authorities.

This group would have the job of engaging with independent High Street retailers and exploring possible alternatives to the proposals, including a mooted compromise that would see some one hour parking bays remain free, while others switch to a paid model.

Councillors agreed to ask for a thorough parking review to be conducted, with the changes being put on hold until March 2025.

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After the meeting, Cllr Scott said: "I am pleased with the motion passed tonight by Harpenden Town Council, inviting SADC to work in partnership with HTC to jointly develop and agree a parking strategy for Harpenden that will earn the consent of its residents and its independent retailers.

"Liberal Democrats in charge of both SADC and HTC now need to pay attention and take these concerns seriously."

The meeting was attended by 140 people, including residents, retailers and councillors.

Defending the planned charges Cllr Helen Campbell, SADC's parking lead, said: "I ask people to look at the proposals in detail and not rely on any rumours they may have heard.

"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."

SADC launched a consultation on July 18 that remains open until August 14.