Tight squeeze for Dacorum drivers

A new study has shown that only 12 local area districts have less space per vehicle than Dacorum.

For every car owned by Dacorum residents there are just 7.35 metres of space.

The study was carried out by esure car insurance.

Chief underwriting officer Jon Wilshire said: “Drivers are not imagining it – it really is harder to find a parking spot for your car.

“In some areas the average space available is so tight that drivers can barely manoeuvre their cars into the spaces available. When space is so limited, drivers must take extra care when parking to avoid damaging their own vehicle or those around them.”

However, there was also some positive news for Dacorum’s car owners.

The council’s residential parking permits are among the cheapest in the country, costing £25 for the first car, £40 for the second, and £40 again for the third car.

These can be bought immediately from the Parking Shop by residents who bring the necessary documentation, while anyone applying by letter or online can expect delivery in two to three days.

A spokesman for council spokesman said: “Increased car ownership has put added pressure on available kerb side parking opportunities, especially where there is multiple ownership in some households or a facility such as a railway station or town centre nearby.

“Dacorum has introduced nine Controlled Parking Zones between 2003 and 2015 and is in the on-going process of making proposals for two more and an extension to an existing zone. There are also a number of areas that have been offered a scheme but have not wanted one.

“We are aware of the balance between delivering much needed new homes and providing the appropriate level of parking spaces within a development.”