Updated Saturday 5th January 2008
Parking Charges Increase

70p an hour to park

Car parking charges are set to rise to 70p for an hour in the town's short stay car parks

An all-day ticket for the town's long stay car parks goes up to £3.50, an increase of 30p.

East Herts District Council are also introducing a five hour price band for both short and long stay, with a charge of £3. Motor cyclists will also have their own dedicated spaces.

The increases were proposed at a recent meeting of the Executive Committee, who also recommended that drivers be allowed to "top-up" at some car parks. At present, so-called "meter-feeding" is not allowed and can result in a Penalty Charge Notice being issued.

The increases will help fund structural repairs at the Bircherley Green and Gascoyne Way car parks.

A two-hour stay in the town's car parks will now cost more than Welwyn Garden City.

Mike Carver, Executive member for planning policy and transport, said: "We've listened to what residents have been asking for and as a result we're proposing the removal of meter feeding as a contravention in some car parks, the introduction of the five hour band and improved parking for motorcyclists".

If approved by the full council, the charges will be introduced in April.