Decision

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate & Commercial Services has decided to remove charges for 30 minutes of on-street parking in the High Street at Tring, following concerns from local businesses and the community.

Analysis

outcome: The decision outcome was to remove the £0.80 charge for 30 minutes and make it free of charge, while retaining the £1.50 charge for 1 hour.

summary: The decision at stake is the introduction of charges for on-street parking in the High Street at Tring, as well as changes to the time of operation of limited waiting bays.

topline: The Portfolio Holder for Corporate & Commercial Services has decided to remove charges for 30 minutes of on-street parking in the High Street at Tring, following concerns from local businesses and the community.

reason_contentious: This issue is contentious as it has affected businesses on the high street and the relationship with the local community, with ongoing discussions and minor changes being considered.

affected_stakeholders: ["local businesses", "residents", "employees", "customers"]

contentiousness_score: 7

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://democracy.dacorum.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2471

Decision Maker: Portfolio Holder for Corporate & Commercial Services

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: On the 31 March 2025 a new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for the Borough of Dacorum (Town Centres) (On-Street Parking Places) Order 2025 came into force. This followed informal and formal consultation carried out in-line with guidance for this statutory process.   As part of TRO, changes were made to the High Street at Tring as follows:   Introduction of charges to the limited waiting bays between Akeman Street and Langdon Street (12 vehicle lengths) of £0.80 for 30 minutes and £1.50 for 1 hour.   Changes to the time of operation of all limited waiting bays from Monday-Saturday 8.30am-6.30pm to Monday-Sunday (including bank holidays) 8am-6pm   No changes were made to the 2 hour no return during the hours of operation.   As part of the introduction of charges, no pay and display machines were installed with sessions having to be bought via PayByPhone utilising either their app or calling the number on the relevant advisory signage.   Representation has been made formally and informally that the introduction of charges particularly is affecting businesses on the high street along with the distinct relationship a mall town high street has with its local community and the importance of free, short-term, on-street parking for both customers and local businesses.   Initial data does not support this but discussions with stakeholders are ongoing, and they identified minor changes that were considered helpful and that could be implemented without carrying out a full amendment to the TRO.    The Council has committed to carrying out a review of the changes that were made to understand their full impact. This review is ongoing whilst further data is gathered and discussions with stakeholders continue before a further TRO is brought forward. The Council is working to balance the parking needs of residents, local businesses and their employees with supporting a thriving high street.

Content: On the 31 March 2025 a new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for the Borough of Dacorum (Town Centres) (On-Street Parking Places) Order 2025 came into force. This followed informal and formal consultation carried out in-line with guidance for this statutory process.   As part of TRO, changes were made to the High Street at Tring as follows:   Introduction of charges to the limited waiting bays between Akeman Street and Langdon Street (12 vehicle lengths) of £0.80 for 30 minutes and £1.50 for 1 hour.   Changes to the time of operation of all limited waiting bays from Monday-Saturday 8.30am-6.30pm to Monday-Sunday (including bank holidays) 8am-6pm   No changes were made to the 2 hour no return during the hours of operation.   As part of the introduction of charges, no pay and display machines were installed with sessions having to be bought via PayByPhone utilising either their app or calling the number on the relevant advisory signage.   Representation has been made formally and informally that the introduction of charges particularly is affecting businesses on the high street along with the distinct relationship a mall town high street has with its local community and the importance of free, short-term, on-street parking for both customers and local businesses.   Initial data does not support this but discussions with stakeholders are ongoing, and they identified minor changes that were considered helpful and that could be implemented without carrying out a full amendment to the TRO.    The Council has committed to carrying out a review of the changes that were made to understand their full impact. This review is ongoing whilst further data is gathered and discussions with stakeholders continue before a further TRO is brought forward. The Council is working to balance the parking needs of residents, local businesses and their employees with supporting a thriving high street. Decision made and reasons:   1.     To approve a Notice of Variation being issued to the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for the Borough of Dacorum (Town Centres) (On-Street Parking Places) Order 2025 to remove the £0.80 charge for 30 minutes and make free of charge (subject to still purchasing a valid session) for the section of High Street at Tring between Akeman Street and Langdon Street (12 vehicle lengths). The £1.50 charge for 1 hour will be retained.   2.     Approve funds being drawn down from the Parking Reserve account to cover the costs associated with the Notice of Variation along with any changes to the statutory signage and road marking.  

Date of Decision: September 2, 2025