Various parking issues can be raised by members of the public, businesses, councillors and other statutory bodies across the district. These issues can be investigated and addressed by designing new parking schemes and restrictions (also called Orders).
The schemes below are being formally consulted on, or have already been consulted on, with notices on the ground and in the local newspaper. Businesses and residents affected are notified by letter and statutory bodies are notified by email. Informal consultation takes place with residents, local businesses, Hertfordshire County Council, the emergency services and other statutory bodies.
The consultation periods run from the date of notification in the local newspaper, notices on the ground and within the body of the letters distributed to those affected.
Towns
Various parking issues have been raised by members of the public across Royston. These were identified during a series of workshops that North Hertfordshire District Council held with local members, County Councillors, members of Royston Town Council, the Town Centre Manager representing Royston First, and representatives from Hertfordshire Highways and the local police.
Issues identified directly by members of the public have been incorporated into this study.
We have undertaken a review of these parking issues under a programme titled the Royston Parking Review and split them up into a series of schemes.
There are four schemes in total, and consultation public engagement exercises were undertaken during October 2021 to January 2022 to address various parking issues identified across Royston. The outcome of the public engagement for each scheme is stated below.
Scheme 1: York Way Industrial & Rock Road Residential Area
Residential roads:
- North Close
- York Way
- Newark Close
- Greenfield
- Orchard Road
The findings of the responses received for the Scheme 1 pre-consultation exercise undertaken during October 2021 to January 2022 were mostly in objection. It was therefore decided not to progress Scheme 1. Instead, North Herts Council propose to undertake safety measures to include the introduction of double yellow lines at junctions to help improve junction visibility. These safety measures will be implemented in Orchard Road, North Close, Weston Avenue and Rose Walk.
Scheme 2: Review of Certain Restrictions in CPZ Zone B (Gower Road, Queens Road & Mill Road Area)
- Clark Road
- Gower Road
- Leete Place
- Mill Road
- Morton Street
- Queens Road
- Queensway
- Serby Avenue
- Stamford Avenue
- Victoria Crescent
- Tichmarsh Close
- Major Haddock Close
- Evans Close
- Green Street
- Gage Close
- Kingsway
As with Scheme 1, the findings of the responses received for the Scheme 2 pre-consultation were mostly in objection. It was therefore decided not to progress Scheme 2. Instead, North Herts Council proposed to undertake safety measures to include the introduction of double yellow lines at junctions to help improve junction visibility. These safety measures will be implemented in Gower Road, Evans Close, Titchmarsh Close and Gage Close.
Scheme 3: Princes Mews and Briary Lane Area
- Princes Mews
- Coronation Avenue
- Heath Avenue
- Baldock Street
- Stake Piece Road
- Lankester Road
- Days Close
- Earls Hill Gardens
The findings of the responses received for Scheme 3 were mostly in objection. It is therefore decided not to progress these scheme.
Scheme 4: Parking Restrictions to be considered in Eastfield Road off Newmarket Road
- Eastfield Road
The findings of the responses received for Scheme 4 were mostly in objection. It was therefore decided not to progress this scheme.
If your road is not included in the Review and you wish to request new parking restrictions, you can apply for a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).
There are currently no new schemes awaiting consultation or publishing.
Consolidation Orders
The North Hertfordshire District Council (Control of Parking) (Consolidation) Order 2023 (Amendment No.1) Order 2024
The Council proposes to amend the existing Control of Parking On-Street Consolidation Order 2023 to correct an administrative error and include the issuing of electronic/virtual resident, business and visitor permits and visitor tickets within all residential permit parking zones as listed in Schedule 2 of the above-mentioned Order in Baldock, Hitchin, Knebworth, Letchworth and Royston.
Full details of the proposals are contained in the draft Order and the statement of reason attached below along with a copy of the sealed North Hertfordshire District Council (Control of Parking) (Consolidation) Order 2023.
Full details of the Order may also be inspected during normal office hours at the offices of North Herts Council, Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3JF from 9 May 2024 until 31 May 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions for Virtual Permits Consultation
What is a virtual parking permit?
A virtual parking permit is an electronic record confirming that you have a parking permit to park within your resident permit parking zone. This replaces the need to display a physical parking permit. Details of the virtual parking permit will be held electronically and shared with Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO) patrolling permit areas on street. The CEO can check if a vehicle has a valid permit by carrying out a search on the vehicle registration using their handheld device.
Why are you bringing in virtual permits?
The Council has chosen to do this to enable us to provide a better customer service whereby permits are available and usable instantly. It will also increase efficiencies, minimize the potential for permit fraud and help reduce our Carbon footprint.
When will virtual parking permits be introduced?
It is anticipated that the roll out of electronic permits will start later in the year. Further information will be provided closer to the time and residents will be formally notified.
Will the prices increase when this scheme is introduced?
No, all current permit prices will continue to apply. All our parking-related charges can be viewed online at Apply for a resident or visitor parking permit | North Herts Council (north-herts.gov.uk)
Are virtual permits used anywhere else?
Virtual permits are already widely used throughout the local area including Central Bedfordshire, East Herts, St Albans as well as other areas of the country.
Will there be any changes to the permit’s terms & conditions?
No, beyond the need to physically display a permit in the vehicle’s windscreen which will no longer apply if the resident has registered for a virtual permit.
What difference will it make to me?
If you apply for a new permit, renew an existing permit, replace an existing permit, make a temporary change to an existing permit, or amend an existing permit’s details. Your new permit may be a virtual permit and not a physical, paper permit.
Will paper permits still be available?
Paper permits will still be available on request where necessary.
How will a Civil Enforcement Officer know which vehicles have permits?
Our Civil Enforcement Officers can identify which vehicles have valid permits via the information displayed on their handheld devices. The removal of the paper permits will not affect Civil Enforcement Officers ability to ensure the fair use of the resident permit parking bays.
How will enforcement work?
All permit applications will be linked to individual vehicle registration numbers. Details of the virtual parking permit and the vehicle will be held electronically and shared with Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO) patrolling permit areas. The CEO can check if a vehicle has a valid permit for the relevant resident permit zone by carrying out a search on the vehicle registration using their handheld device.
How will the virtual permit be linked to me/my vehicle?
Permit applications will be linked to individual vehicle registration numbers. Details of the virtual parking permit and the vehicle will be held electronically and shared with Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO) patrolling permit areas. The CEO can check if a vehicle has a valid permit by carrying out a search on the vehicle registration using their handheld device.
How do virtual permits work for visitors?
Virtual visitor permits require a vehicle registration to be entered onto the system, however, it is to be noted that paper permits will be issued where necessary.
Will my details be secure on the virtual permit scheme?
All our information is held securely on the Councils permit database in accordance with data protection regulations and in line with government security standards.
What will I do with my paper permit?
Paper permits will continue to be valid for you to use until the virtual permit scheme is introduced. You will be advised about the next steps closer to the time of virtual permits being introduced.
How will I know if a vehicle parked on-street is in possession of a permit?
There will be no visible indication as to whether a vehicle is in possession of a virtual permit or not. Our Civil Enforcement Officer will be able to identify non-compliant vehicles and appropriate enforcement action will be taken as a result.
What happens after the consultation ends?
If the proposed amendments are accepted the Consolidation Traffic Regulation Order will be updated and further information regarding the roll out of the electronic parking permits will be published on our website.