LABOUR ENDS 'FREE AFTER 3' IN ROYSTON

Labour ends 'Free after 3' in Royston

The popular “free after 3” parking scheme in Royston is set to end after Labour councillors voted to introduce charges from April. The change comes after the Labour Cabinet at North Hertfordshire Council chose to approve new rates for all Royston car parks. Visitors to the town will now be required to pay a flat £1 fee after 3pm, with several other adjustments also coming into place. 

Last year, following a proposal by Lib Dem councillor Emma Squire-Smith, Royston Town Council agreed to fund a £20k subsidy to support the continuation of free after 3 for twelve months, with no increase for taxpayers.

This year, the level of subsidy demanded by North Herts was much higher - and could no longer be afforded without further increases to council tax. Labour has insisted that charging is necessary to collect vehicle registration data, whilst refusing to consider other simpler ways of counting vehicle movements.

Responding to the news, Cllr Tim Johnson said: “Labour is set on bringing in these charges, despite the strong concerns raised by the Town Council, BID and local Lib Dem councillors about the potential impact on local businesses. Royston is more remote than the other towns in North Herts, with a number of villages relying on the town and the need to drive. I am concerned that many of those people will now go elsewhere.”

Cllr Ed Nutting said: “Whilst Royston Liberal Democrats are showing real vision for the town centre with our ambitious plans for the Royston Venue, Labour is pulling the rug from local businesses. We will continue to see what more we can do to boost the town’s economy, in the face of this bad news.”