Local MP Grant Shapps has secured concessions on controversial parking enforcement in Hatfield's Parkhouse Court. Charges imposed on shoppers at Aldi, Subway and surrounding shops had led to concern that the signage was overly vague leading people into the false impression that they can park for an hour for free. They can, but only if they are actually displaying a ticket.

Now, after a showdown between the MP and Stuart Harrison of UKPC - the company responsible for the car park - an agreement has been struck which will make the signs much clearer for car park users.

Grant Shapps explained: "Shoppers have been caught out because they notice that they can park for one hour for free at Parkhouse Court but then come back to find that their vehicle has been ticketed. The reason is that, on closer inspection, you must display a ticket for the first hour, but I've never believed the signs are clear enough and I'm delighted to say that UKPC have now agreed to go beyond what is legally required and beef up their signs in order to make thing clearer."

Grant added: "When we finally got to meet I found UKPC to be keen to accommodate these concerns and I'm grateful that they took the time to meet me. There are places where you can park for free in Welwyn Hatfield, but the difference in Parkhouse Court is that you must display a ticket. Better signage will help prevent people from getting tickets in the future."

Welwyn Hatfield Council set the one hour parking restrictions as part of the agreement when planning permission was granted for the development.

ENDS