That's the ticket

Don't forget to get your ticket - that’s the message to all those drivers using two public car parks in Bushey Heath.

The Rutts car park and the car park opposite St Peters Church Hall, both in High Road, have had ticket machines installed, and from Monday 30 November, you need to ensure you pay and display.

Cllr John Donne, portfolio holder for transport, said: "We started looking at introducing charges to these car parks as local people raised concerns that they were being used by some business and taking up spaces all day.

"While it was originally envisaged that these two car parks would be for shoppers and short-stay visitors, they have in fact been used for significantly longer than the two-hour limit which has limited traffic flow and turnover. We have asked local people what they thought, and while we recognise that not everyone will be for the scheme, we have introduced the pay parking to help manage the issues, help shoppers find spaces more easily and support local businesses."

While shoppers get used to the new system there will be an introductory period for those using the car parks.

"Our Civil Enforcement Officers who monitor traffic and car park useage acknowledge that any change will take a bit of getting used to and so we will give drivers time to adjust," explained Cllr Donne. "As a result, we will issue a warning notice to those cars without valid tickets on the first occasion, but then we will issue a ticket should the same car not display a valid ticket a second time.

"We hope this approach will provide a suitable change over period and remind car park users to buy a valid ticket next time they visit."

Charges will apply Monday to Saturday 8am to 6.30pm as follows:

• Up to 1 hour    40p
• 1 to 2 hours    80p
• 2 to 3 hours    £1.50
• 3 to 4 hours    £2
• 4 to 5 hours    £3
• Over 5 hours   £5

Business Permits are also available:

• £400 per year
• £200 per six months
• £100 per three months
• £240 per year (valid three days per week)
• £200 per year (valid either AM or PM)

If you wish to apply for a permit, please contact Parking Services at Hertsmere Borough Council on 020 8207 7422.