VANDALISED meters at Westminster Lodge in St Albans have meant free parking for several weeks. The machines were so badly damaged about three weeks ago that new meters have had to be ordered. A spokesperson for St Albans District Council said: We are awa

VANDALISED meters at Westminster Lodge in St Albans have meant free parking for several weeks.

The machines were so badly damaged about three weeks ago that new meters have had to be ordered.

A spokesperson for St Albans District Council said: "We are aware there is a problem there with people taking advantage of free parking. In some cases they have spilled over from the designated bays onto grassy areas which is not allowed."

Signs are up in the car park saying that parking is currently free until the meters are replaced. Normally parking is free for the first three hours but tickets must be displayed to prevent commuters or people who work in the city centre using it as a long-term car park without payment.

The new machines are expected "imminently".