The Labour-Liberal Democrat Coalition Council in Hertsmere have recently agreed to implement new parking charges at Kemp Place Car Park in Bushey and Newberries Car Park, Radlett.

Both car parks have always been free of charge for the first hour of parking, allowing residents to park near the high street to buy quick essentials.

Residents are now facing the prospect of new parking charges, which will include a £1.10 for the first hour, £2.20 for stays of up to two hours, £3.30 for three hours, £4.50 for four hours, and £5.50 for up to five hours.

Mr 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.

Mr Dowden added: ‘I urge all residents, high street shop owners and others to sign the below petition against these proposed changes.

Bushey Heath Conservative Councillors, Cllr Paul Morris and Cllr Seamus Quilty have started a petition to stop the implementation of new parking charges in Bushey and Radlett which can be found here:  https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-implementation-of-new-parking-charges-in-bushey-and-radlett