A petition to keep free short stays at a popular Bushey car park used by High Street shoppers has gathered 650 signatures.

After Hertsmere Borough Council agreed to introduce a one-hour tariff at Kemp Place Car Park in Bushey and Newberries Car Park, Radlett, local Conservatives launched a petition to block the move.

Kemp Place is a popular car park for a quick shop on the High Street around the corner, particularly because one-hour stays are free.

Under the new rules, the first hour would be £1.10 in-line with each additional hour up to five costing another £1.10.

Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden said: “I am deeply concerned over the decision taken by the Labour-Liberal Democrat run council to impose parking charges at Kemp Place Car Park, Bushey, and Newberries Car Park, Radlett.

“We should be encouraging residents to visit the High Street, not deter them.

"This is an unnecessary financial burden which will drive people away from our valued high streets.

Watford Observer: Kemp Place Car Park.Kemp Place Car Park. (Image: Google Street View)

“I urge all residents, high street shop owners and others to sign the petition against these proposed changes.”

The petition, started by Bushey Heath Conservative councillors Paul Morris and Seamus Quilty, has gathered its 650 signatures since launching on March 4.

Tariffs will also rise by up to 50p for stays in other Bushey, Radlett, Borehamwood and Potters Bar car parks.

Watford Observer: Oliver Dowden.Oliver Dowden. (Image: PA)

Responding to the petition, Labour councillor Parveen Rani highlighted the financial pressures on local authorities, including Hertsmere, and the “difficult decisions” that come with managing a reducing budget.

She added that, in making those decisions, “we are of course mindful of the economic pressures which many of the borough’s residents and business owners are experiencing” but parking charges had not been increased “for some time” despite rising council costs.

“All car parking fees and charges were agreed as part of the full council budget setting meeting in February, which was informed by public consultation,” Cllr Rani said.

Watford Observer: Newberries Car Park, Radlett.Newberries Car Park, Radlett. (Image: Google Street View)“The charges for Kemp Place and Newberries car parks bring them into line with all other council car parks and ensure charges in our 14 council-owned car parks are now fair and consistent for residents living across the borough.

“On-street shorter stay parking remains free of charge.”