Car parking fees will increase in Bushey and Radlett next month, and the additional income is expected to generate £297,000 a year for the council.

Hertsmere Borough Council said they are making the changes after five years of cuts from central government.

They will start charging 50p for up to an hour for on street parking, an increase of 30p. The first half hour will remain free.

Where a second hour is permitted, it will be £1.50 instead of £1. 

Off street parking will increase 20p for an hour - from 50p to 70p - and 50p for up to two hours - from £1 to £1.50 - in Bushey Heath. 

In Radlett, the first hour will remain free, subsidised by Aldenham Parish Council, and the price of more hours will be altered in line with our other car parks.

In Bushey Heath, pay and display machines have been installed recently in the High Road to aid traffic flow and make it easier for people to stop outside the shops.  This means you can park for free for 30 minutes if you display a ticket, and pay 20p if you want to stay for the whole hour. 

Councillor Jean Heywood, transport and environment portfolio holder, said: "Like all local authorities across the country we’ve had to make some tough decisions about services in light of the ongoing pressures on our resources. Here in Hertsmere residents have helped us make these decisions through special surveys."

The changes will come into effect on Sunday, August 3.

Residential permits will also increase by £10, and will be £25 for the first permit.

An increase of £10 will also apply to the second, third and fourth annual residential permits.

Annual visitor permits will increase to £40 (an increase of £10).

Councillor Heywood added: "Although we understand some residents will not be happy with the increases, we hope people will continue to appreciate the first half hour of on street parking outside shops will remain free. 

"In addition, our current charges are low in comparison with neighbouring local authorities and do not currently allow us to be self-financing, as recommended by the government. We feel the charges are still at a reasonable rate and are still much cheaper than surrounding areas."

Over the past five years the council’s grant from central government has reduced by 44% which equates to £3.47m.