Phased return of car parking controls
The enforcement of car parking controls is to resume in two stages in St Abans District after being eased during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The move follows the Government’s decision to allow for the reopening of schools, shops, outdoor markets and other businesses.
St Albans City and District Council suspended the enforcement of some restrictions in March to support residents as the lockdown began.
Civil Enforcement Officers – formerly known as traffic wardens – only took action in residential areas against unsafe or inconsiderate parking.
Now the Council is reintroducing the normal enforcement regime in two phases:
On Monday 8 June, enforcement will resume for:
- Pay and display bays along with limited-waiting free bays in non-residential areas;
- Areas where Hertfordshire County Council has made changes to car parking rules to encourage social distancing, including the High Street, Market Place, George Street and Hatfield Road, St Albans, and Bowers Parade, Harpenden;
- Off-street car parks where vehicle owners have failed to display or purchase a valid ticket although some free parking will remain available for key workers.
On Wednesday 1 July, enforcement resumes for:
- All Controlled Parking Zones in residential areas across the District;
- Off street car parks which will fully return to normal.
Councillor Chris White, Portfolio Holder for Climate, Environment and Transport, said:
We responded very quickly to the Covid-19 lockdown by easing car parking enforcement.
This was done in recognition of the fact that many people were working at home and might not have permits to park their car nearby. We also acted to help key workers on the frontline.
Now that the lockdown is being lifted, we feel it is only right that we begin an orderly, phased return back to the usual conditions. I hope residents and businesses will support this approach and we will closely monitor the impact it has.
Residents who are not normally at home during restricted periods can apply for extra car parking permits.
Enquiries should be made by emailing the Council’s car parking team on parkingpermits@stalbans.gov.uk or calling 01727 869 593.
NHS and care workers will continue to be allowed free parking.
More information about car parking in the District, including details of the Council’s car parks and location of Controlled Parking Zones, can be found here: https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-transport.
Councillor contact:
Councillor Chris White,
Leader and Portfolio Holder for Climate, Environment and Transport, Email: cllr.c.white@stalbans.gov.uk
Tel: 01727 845300.
Contact for the media:
John McJannet,
Principal Communications Officer
Tel: 01727 819533
Email: john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.