Kings Langley motorists have voiced frustration over parking spaces being blocked off for months as electric charging points are installed.

Difficulty parking near Kings Langley High Street is a contentious issue in the village as proposed charges have sparked a backlash from concerned businesses.

While the proposals in the works are complex, one thing business owners and residents agree has not made things easier is that six spaces in Langley Hill Car Park have been lost.

The charge points.The charge points. (Image: Newsquest)

Dacorum Borough Council, in partnership with two electric vehicle (EV) charging companies, has promised that the spaces will be reopened as three charging points and an EV only space.

Residents say it has been months since work began but, although the physical work appears complete, they still have not been reopened.

“It’s taken them six months and it’s nowhere,” said Sian Turner, who owns Home and Garden by Sian. “At the moment there are six places lost.”

(Image: Newsquest)

Another Kings Langley resident questioned whether people would use the 'electric vehicles only' points to charge, even when complete, due to their location in a time-limited town centre car park.

Meanwhile, Dream Doors owner Alex Smith said closing spaces in the public car park is pushing more vehicles onto the high street spaces at the same time as restrictions are being brought in there.

A Dacorum council spokesperson said: “We are working with our contractors Osprey and Connected Kerb to complete the construction, which involves two types of EVCP (electric vehicle charge points) equipment within the Langley Hill Car Park, the rapid EVCP from Osprey, and the fast EVCP from Connected Kerb.

Six cars parked in the row in 2022.Six cars parked in the row in 2022. (Image: Google Street View) “Osprey will open three rapid, easy-to-use charge points to residents, businesses, and visitors next month around mid-October.

“Connected Kerb are now looking to connect to the national electricity grid, which will be completed by the end of November. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to users of the Langley Hill Car Park whilst the works are completed.”

It was previously confirmed that the spaces are being paid for by Osprey, with no council funding needed.

(Image: Newsquest)