'Loading' permits for shoppers

A NEW permit has been issued to local retailers allowing their customers who have purchased bulky items to have 15 minutes to load them into their vehicles. The district council has introduced the new retailer loading permit for a trial period in the city

A NEW permit has been issued to local retailers allowing their customers who have purchased bulky items to have 15 minutes to load them into their vehicles.

The district council has introduced the new retailer loading permit for a trial period in the city centre over the Christmas and New Year shopping period.

It means customers can spend up to 15 minutes loading their cars without worrying whether a penalty charge notice might be issued.

The introduction of the permit follows discussions with representatives from St Albans Independent Retailers.

While drivers are entitled to load, difficulties arise when parking attendants - now known as civil enforcement officers - are unable to distinguish whether a vehicle is parking for loading or not.

The new permit will enable enforcement officers to identify vehicles that are loading from those parked.

A complimentary supply of permits has been provided to a number of retailers who sell bulky items. Any appropriate retailer can apply for the permits with further supplies available from the council offices at a cost of £2 for 10.

To obtain them email parking@stalbans.gov.uk or ring 01727 819352.

Cllr Anthony Rowlands, portfolio holder for community engagement and support, said: "The success of the permit will be assessed at the end of January. If feedback is positive, the permit will become a permanent engagement across the whole district.