A West Watford man says he and his neighbours were not warned about parking restrictions when the Elton John concerts were held.

Gareth Fernandes, who lives in Brightwell Road near the Vicarage Road stadium, criticised Watford Borough Council’s handling of the parking for the concerts on Sunday and Monday.  

He says the council did not send him any letters or put any information signs about parking before or during the events.

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He said: “I checked with two neighbours, and they said they had not had a letter either.

“A third said she vaguely remembered seeing one, but that could have been months ago.

“I also asked the traffic warden on Monday what the rules where and he said there are no restrictions.

“I called the council to confirm, and they said that it was match day restrictions.”

Mr Fernandes, who has lived in the street since 2003, said he paid for a parking ticket because he considered the response from the traffic warden and the council to be “ambiguous”.

He believes multiple letters should have been sent to people living in the area about the parking rules for the concert nights.

Mr Fernandes also claims there were no signs posted around the roads where he lives informing people of the situation.

He also said there should have been clear information on the council website about the restrictions.

Cllr Ian Stotesbury, who is responsible for transport, said letters were sent to people in the area.

He added: “These concerts were two very special events for Watford, enjoyed by thousands of Watford residents, including myself.

“We appreciate that events of this size, which are rare at the stadium, would cause a level of disruption.

“The parking measures were put in place to ensure the local streets were not flooded by concert goers and to keep the stadium and residents safe.

“We made sure that those affected were told well in advance about what would be happening over these two nights, including letters to residents in the affected parking zones and signage displayed in the area.”

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