Proposals for parking restrictions on roads near St Albans City Station have been met with mixed reactions.
St Albans council released proposals for parking restrictions on so-called ‘ladder roads’ north of Hatfield Road, around Verulam School and Clarence Park and the two St Albans mosques.
Opposed to the changes is Brampton Road resident Peter Norman, who said: “In my 50 years living in St Albans I have never seen a more ill-conceived, poorly-presented, and uninspiring document which will throw several hundred commuters, students and worshippers off the streets.
“It is a case of NIMBY-ism of the worst kind, providing no alternative places for many to park when going by train, to school or to pray.
“A two-hour ban just moves the problem further away from the station.”
Clarence ward councillor Chris White said: “The problem is prices at the station and central St Albans, and the limited amount of spaces.
“It does not seem right residents cannot get near their houses.
“My role is to make sure the frustrations of residents on both sides are heard, but my impression is most people are in favour.”
The restrictions include no-clear zones around Verulam School, on both Brampton Road and Jennings Road, which has found favour with the school.
Deputy head David Bullock said: “We have 1,200 students in the school, so any restrictions are a positive.”
But Thameslink has refuted that station parking is too expensive and is contributing to the problem.
A spokesperson said: “We have not increased the cost of parking at our St Albans station car parks since January 2015 and most motorists are parking with us.
“Locally, the cost of parking with us compares favourably with the London Road car park which is over £3 a day more expensive.
“It costs £7.60 a day to park in Richmond Road and Station Way car parks, and £7.40 for the Victoria Street multi-storey car park, with considerable discounts for season ticket holders.
“The NCP at St Albans London Road car park is listed online as £10.60 a day.”
A copy of the order can be seen on St Albans council’s website, and anyone who wishes to object must do so by November 1.
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