A pub company has said it is “listening to concerns” following backlash to its new non-customer parking rules.

The Red House in Watford Road, Croxley Green, brought in automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to clamp down on non-customers using its car park, after previously operating a pay and display system.

The Greene King pub is just across from the train station and near to a number of shops, so there were fears the change would spark a "parking nightmare" and damage businesses.

Three Rivers District Council said it previously had an agreement with the chain to allow public access to the car park.

A spokesperson added that the council recently became aware of the move and has since been “working to engage Greene King on behalf of residents and businesses around these changes”.

The car park’s pay and display system had already been "for patrons only", but people often use it when shopping elsewhere.

Watford Observer: The Red House, Croxley GreenThe Red House, Croxley Green (Image: Google Street View)Under the new system people would need to enter their registration inside the pub, and locals were concerned it will affect trade for nearby shops, with one claiming “parking on Watford Road will become a nightmare”.

A spokesperson for the Red House said: “Over the years we’ve seen increasing numbers of people using the car parks, but not the pub, and this has meant customers have been unable to park and access the pub.

“We are listening to the community and any concerns over the system change and are currently liaising with the council.”

Scott McGarvie, who owns the Anchor, Tap & Bottle in Watford Road, is concerned the change could be “problematic” as he thinks quite a lot of his customers use The Red House's car park.

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“I’m not sure where else there is to park around here if people are popping in to pick up a takeaway,” he said.

“There aren’t many spaces down by the houses.”

Duli Ramawickrama, who manages the nearby Inspired by D Hair and Beauty, said she has noticed “almost everyone” visiting some shops in the road use the car park.