Berkhamsted car park fight reaches latest fundraising target

Residents who oppose the proposed car park in Lower Kings Road began fundraising in February, aiming to raise £5,000.

But less than one month later their total stands at £12,000.

Spokesman Elizabeth O’Reilly said: “This is an 
incredible effort and everyone involved should be congratulated for all the support, practical and financial, that has been shown.

“Enough funds have been raised to get the campaign to the next stage, so we now need to wait to see if permission will be given to enable us to 
proceed to a judicial review.”

The mooted car park would have 327 spaces over eight half-levels and would be based next to Waitrose.

Campaigners have challenged various aspects of the proposals, from the council’s procedures for considering whether it is needed, to the location and the environmental impact.

Mrs O’Reilly said: “The campaign is not against 
parking – it is about persuading the council to consider the many other parking solutions for the town.

“Any reading of the 
minutes of the parking 
forum established by the town council will see that very many sensible parking solutions suggested as long ago as 2012 have been ignored.

“Changing long-stay bays to short-stay at weekends, changing the line markings to enable more parking spaces in the town, and properly exploring better signage of available spaces have all been proposed. If these parking solutions had been implemented they would have provided at least another 150 spaces.”

Mrs O’Reilly added: “All those behind the campaign live or work in Berkhamsted and are committed to finding the right solution to the town’s parking issue.

“We are also clear that the council have failed to show that a massive multi-storey car park, that will change 
the heart of the town for 
generations to come, is that right solution.”

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