The Harpenden Society has launched a scathing attack on controversial plans to introduce paid for parking in the town centre.

In a letter to members shared with this newspaper, the society has described the scheme as "not fit for purpose".

Last month, St Albans City and District Council (SADC) launched a consultation on proposals that bring charges for some currently free parking lanes.

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.

The plans have been met with backlash from politicians and retailers, with an online petition attracting more than 5,000 signatures.

The society has joined the growing dissent, saying: "The result [of the scheme] is likely to be more chaos and potential damage to the town council’s strategic objective of supporting a vibrant High Street, an objective we fully support."

They highlight the "significant risk" that the changes will damage the local economy, while accepting the need for SADC to raise money at a time when local authorities are struggling.

Read More:

Outlining a response, the society has called for changes to be made to the scheme, including:

  • A minimum of one hour free parking being maintained at all parking bays.
  • Parking permits to be offered to all residents - not just the elderly.
  • An investment in the enforcement of current parking regulations

They have also supported the resolution passed at the July 22 meeting of Harpenden Town Council, calling for a full review and delay to any changes until at least 2025.

Harpenden Town councillor Richard Scott warned last month that businesses would close if the changes came in, a sentiment shared by business owners who spoke to this newspaper.

SADC has defended the proposals and urged people to have their say via the consultation, which runs until August 14.

The council's parking lead Cllr Helen Campbell, said: "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."