St Albans parking campaign continues its fight

Retailers fighting for fairer car parking charges across St Albans city centre have vowed to continue their battle.

The group was set up in response to the introduction of a £1 fee for parking on Sundays and a new payment structure for certain car parks at the start of April.

Businesses claimed they had not been consulted on the changes, which were having a detrimental effect on trade, with fewer people visiting the city on Sundays and motorists being put off by hikes in charges at smaller car parks like Keyfield Terrace.

Campaign founder Nadya Giffen said: “We will continue to campaign against this unfair charge until we get the result we want. I am astounded that the current leaders are continuing to ignore the people of St Albans.

“The very fact that the support has been so overwhelming should be enough for them to reverse this preposterous charge. We have collected 1,700 signatures so far and will continue to collect until we present them at the next full council meeting.”

The campaign has been backed by local Liberal Democrats, who have taken the fight to the council chamber.

Cllr Gerald McHale said: “The Conservative administration continues to ignore the real concerns expressed by both the public and local business leaders about the negative impact these changes are having on the local business community.”

You can still sign the parking petition at www.ipetitions.com/petition/unfair-parking-charges-in-st-albans. Or if you’re not online you can find hard copies at Mail Box on Holywell Hill, Ginger Natural Health on London Road, The White Hart Tap and The Beehive in Keyfield Terrace.