Kings Langley High Street fears over mooted parking rules

After a three-week consultation, Dacorum Borough Council is set to make a decision over whether to go ahead with plans to shake-up parking rules in Kings Langley.

The latest proposal would keep 25 free bays at the ends of the high street but reduce the allowance to 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, 28 previously free spaces in the middle of the road would cost 80p for 30 minutes and £1.50 for an hour. The Nap and Langley Hill car parks, nearby, will remain free but with a new four-hour limit between 8am and 6pm.

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Many felt first-time visitors would struggle to understand the complicated proposed rules (shown here). (Image: Dacorum Borough Council)

Speaking to residents this week, many fear the changes will go through despite objections including a 3,840-strong petition.

Teacher Louise Winchester was firmly against and said easier parking “one of the many reasons” she moved to the village while Harsh Marehunga, who recently moved to the area, feared tight restrictions would damage the “community” atmosphere.

Chris Eastcourt, 80, no longer drives but said he was against charges because of the tax and other rising costs motorists already face.

Chris Eastcourt, 80. (Image: Newsquest)

Tony Powell felt the High Street has managed to maintain a good level of footfall over the years and was less worried about parking.

The IT worker always walks into town and thought charges might encourage others to do the same - but many said they worried that visitors would stop patronising the High Street’s range of independent stores and go elsewhere instead. “It will just close it all down,” said one long-time resident.

Dalling & Co barista Maisie Pearce. (Image: Newsquest) Dalling & Co barista Maisie Pearce says they have quite a lot of customers asking about the potential rules, but many businesses are even more concerned about the proposed system than their customers.

Staff at Laines and Company described it as “disgusting”, with the limits not allowing visitors time for meals or enjoyable shopping at multiple businesses.

Laines and Company owner Elaine Reed. (Image: Newsquest) “I think they are making a good effort discouraging people coming to the High Street with things like the parking charges,” said Barber Michael Nelhams.

“I think its going to absolutely demolish it.”

Many, like Grace Purser at sweet shop Sweet as a Button, were unsure what staff working for more than four hours at a time are supposed to do.

Grace Purser and Kings Langley Parish Council chair Howard Button. (Image: Newsquest)

This was particularly concerning for Home and Garden by Sian owner Sian Turner, who is regularly the only person working in the store meaning she would have to close shop to move her car.

“As shop owners we are not against charging,” she added. “I personally am against limiting the time people can spend here. There is more to do in the High Street than the time they are allowed.”

Kings Langley High Street. (Image: Newsquest)Alex Smith, who was key to organising the petition against the change, highlighted possible knock-on effects, including that pushing people away from central parking causing congestion in nearby residential roads.

Responding to the petition during the consultation, the council said it has been “working hard” to reduce costs and is being careful to ensure it can keep offering competitively priced parking while balancing its budgets to keep providing vital services.