Drivers in St Albans and Harpenden and other parts of the district will no longer be able to park for free in restricted areas from next week.

St Albans District Council has said some parking controls will be enforced again from Monday June 8 as government lockdown rules are eased.

During much of the pandemic, traffic wardens in St Albans district have only been clamping down on motorists who were parking on double yellow lines or parking dangerously.

All council-owned car parks have been free to park in, as have pay and display bays across the city and surrounding towns and villages.

But from Monday, this will change - but resident permit parking will not be enforced until July.

On June 8, parking enforcement will resume for:

  • Pay and display bays along with limited-waiting free bays in non-residential areas;
  • Areas where Hertfordshire County Council has made changes to car parking rules to encourage social distancing, including the High Street, Market Place, George Street and Hatfield Road, St Albans, and Bowers Parade, Harpenden;
  • Off-street car parks where vehicle owners have failed to display or purchase a valid ticket although some free parking will remain available for key workers.

On Wednesday July 1, parking enforcement will resume for:

  • All controlled parking zones (CPZ) in residential areas across the district
  • Off street car parks which will fully return to normal.

The council has said NHS and care workers will still be allowed to park for free.

Councillor Chris White, portfolio holder for climate, environment and transport, said: "We responded very quickly to the Covid-19 lockdown by easing car parking enforcement.

"This was done in recognition of the fact that many people were working at home and might not have permits to park their car nearby. We also acted to help key workers on the frontline.

"Now that the lockdown is being lifted, we feel it is only right that we begin an orderly, phased return back to the usual conditions. I hope residents and businesses will support this approach and we will closely monitor the impact it has."

Residents who are not normally at home during restricted periods can apply for extra car parking permits.

Enquiries should be made by emailing the council’s car parking team on parkingpermits@stalbans.gov.uk or calling 01727 869 593.

Visit https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-transport for more information.