Changes To Car Park Restrictions In Watford

Introducing a number of changes to how parking is managed across the town, the Council is supporting residents throughout such difficult times

Making changes to car parking restrictions in Watford, the Watford Borough Council has announced that the enforcement of the council’s off-road car parks, the town’s permit bays, pay and display bays and shared use bays has been suspended.

Introducing a number of changes to how parking is managed across the town, the Council is supporting residents throughout such difficult times. Key workers are being provided with what they need to keep essential services running smoothly.

The Communications and Engagement Officer for Watford Council made clear the new rules. Tim Ashby said: “The suspended enforcement means that key workers and residents may use any of the towns on-street residential, shared use and permit parking bays without the fear of being fined.

The Council’s off-road car parks are now also free to use - Avenue, Bushey Arches, Harebreaks, Longspring, Town Hall, Timberlake and Watford Business Park.”

In order to keep those most vulnerable and those who are providing an essential service safe, yellow lines will continue to be enforced. This is so that emergency services, delivery drivers and carers visiting vulnerable members of the community are able to still access residential areas, supermarkets and the hospital.

In light of the Government’s instructions, the following enforcement arrangements have also been reviewed and amended:

• Parking and business permits - Permits that expire from 24^th March 2020 are not subject to enforcement and it is not necessary to renew them during this period
• Pay and display - There is no requirement for motorists to purchase pay and display tickets as of 24^th March 2020
• Visitor Vouchers - It is not necessary to purchase a visitor voucher from 24^th March until further notice

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said: “I want to make sure that we can do all we can to support key workers in our town. That's why we have decided to lift some of our on-street parking restrictions to make it easier for residents who are working from home to find a place to park.

As well as this, we are also allowing people to park for free in Council-operated car parks. These are exceptional circumstances and we want to support local key workers in any way we can.”

Residents and businesses who know of any space in the Borough that is underused and could be repurposed for essential worker parking are asked to contact parking@watford.gov.uk.

The Parking Service can still be contacted during standard office hours for any general enquiries on 01923 278 890.

For more information visit: www.watford.gov.uk/news/article/920/changes_to_parking_restrictions_in_watford or contact Tim Ashby on 01923 278553 or at tim.ashby@watford.gov.uk