Residents 'block path with car' in St Hilda's School parking row

The Meadowcroft cul-de-sac off Bushey High Street is often used by St Hilda’s Preparatory School parents to drop kids off, as a footpath there connects the private road to pavement outside the school.

But around 18 months ago ANPR cameras were installed to discourage parents parking and £100 penalty charges started appearing in the post.

Graffiti reading private parking appeared in Meadowcroft in mid-July. (Image: Supplied)

Tensions have escalated further this summer as it failed to deter users trying to use the private property despite signs warning it was for residents only.

A parent claimed residents have started blocking the footpath to stop children walking to school. (Image: Supplied) Graffiti stating “private road” appeared at the entrance in late July and one resident even took to blocking off the footpath with their car.

The St Hilda's parent said: “We completely respect the residents right to privacy and we don’t want to intrude. We just want to take our children to and from school safely. (Image: Supplied) A St Hilda’s parent, who received two fines totalling £120 for parking there last year, told the Watford Observer: “We completely respect the residents' right to privacy and we don’t want to intrude.

"Parents are genuinely worried for their children's safety and we just want to take our children to and from school." 

ANPR cameras were installed last year to discourage parents from parking in Meadowcroft. (Image: Supplied) The 41-year-old dad added: “Now we have to park on the other side and navigate quite an extremely busy road everyday, I don’t think we cause any disruption by walking through the area.”

He claimed there had been further verbal clashes recently as parents continued to use the street for summer activities.

If you live on the road we'd love to hear your view. Email gabriel.roberts@newsquest.co.uk or ring 07880 056989.