The parking charge shakeup residents worry will drive shoppers away from a high street has cleared the final hurdle.

After multiple rounds of consultation, several meetings and a 3,840-strong petition, Dacorum Borough Council confirmed the controversial set of updated rules has passed this week.

This includes axing free spaces in the middle of Kings Langley High Street as well as many other changes across the borough.

Diagram of the different zones.Diagram of the different zones. (Image: Dacorum Borough Council) A council spokesperson said that the changes came into effect from the date of Tuesday’s council meeting.

“On November 5, 2024, the finance and resources overview and scrutiny committee reviewed the decision to call in PH-023-24 - Parking Tariffs and Charging Policies Implementation, and agreed the content for the original decision to stand,” they explained.

The borough council has been contacted for more information on when signs will be changed over and motorists will need to start paying under the new system. So far, the exact date remains unclear.

The new rules for Kings Langley will keep 25 free bays at the ends of the high street but reduce the allowance from one hour to 30 minutes.

Kings Langley High Street.Kings Langley High Street. (Image: Newsquest) 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.