Parking consultation launched by council

East Herts Council have opened a public consultation on parking to help guide future strategy in the district.

The council are aiming to improve parking by delivering a fairer service and "creating a healthier, greener environment for our communities."

Throughout September there will be in-person and online engagement sessions to gauge public opinion on proposed parking initiatives in the district. Following an engagement period, a new parking strategy will be outlined in late 2024, with the strategy expected to be implemented in 2025.

The intention is that these sessions will inform a strategy which will aim to:

• Make a positive contribution to climate change 
• Ensure Improvements to air quality and health and wellbeing
• Make it safer for walking and cycling 
• Optimise the use of parking spaces and car parks
• To support financial resilience

Some of the changes being considered for the new parking strategy include:

• Different permit charges based on vehicle emissions including a lower charge for electric vehicles or EV discounts in car parks 
• Offering incentives for car-sharing/car-pooling
• A review of existing parking zones, including location and hours of operation
• Making parking charges more consistent across East Herts

Residents and businesses are encouraged to have their say on proposed changes and to suggest their own improvements to parking in the district, in order to help the council improve the environment for all, and to help make our streets better and safer for all means of transport.

Cllr Tim Hoskin, Executive Member for Sustainability, said, "Parking, car parks and parking spaces are certainly hot topics in our district. We are here to listen, and we look forward to getting residents further involved in the drafting and implementation of a new parking strategy that better serves our local communities."

"We are keen to hear how parking locally affects your personal life, your work life, and the lives of your friends and family. By offering your feedback, you will be helping us improve our parking infrastructure to the benefit of all residents, whilst also contributing to a safer and more sustainable future for East Herts."

In-person consultation events scheduled so far include the Hertford Council Chamber on 24th September from 6-8pm.

The online parking consultation can be accessed at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/2024parkingengagement.