A parking arrangement introduced this year could see panto-goers fined if they stay too long at the show.

The Civic Close car park, frequented by those visiting the Alban Arena, has recently had a three hour limit imposed for car park users.

That could affect those watching matinee performances of this year’s St Albans panto ‘Peter Pan’, as the limit applies between 10am and 6.30pm Monday to Saturday.

A spokesperson for the Alban Arena said: “Whilst the show should only be around two and a half hours, including the interval, we understand that many of our customers like to arrive in good time, not only to enjoy our facilities but St Albans as a whole.”

The changes come as part of a year-long trial implemented by St Albans district council, and will affect most matinee performances.

Mike Lovelady, St Albans council’s head of legal, democratic and regulatory services, said: “We are trying to make better use of the whole car park and open it up to the public during the working week. We aim to achieve this by having a constant turnover of spaces and have therefore introduced a three-hour limit, mindful that there is plenty of other parking nearby for those wishing to stay longer.”

Drivers will still be able to use nearby car parks including the facilities on Russell Avenue, Drovers Way and London Road.

Details of other available St Albans car parks can be found here.