Vital scheme

The residents parking scheme for the Triangle area of Hitchin is vital. Available spaces are taken up from 6am onwards on weekdays by commuters unwilling to pay for the facilities at the station. In the past, it has been possible for residents and commut

The residents' parking scheme for the Triangle area of Hitchin is vital. Available spaces are taken up from 6am onwards on weekdays by commuters unwilling to pay for the facilities at the station.

In the past, it has been possible for residents and commuters unofficially to use space next to KwikFit or at B&Q. The owners of those premises have now made this impossible, removing a safety valve for the parking crisis.

The situation in Walsworth Road is dire. It will get worse and worse as every spare plot of land is crammed with as many flats as developers can squeeze in.

The yellow lines prevent residents from parking, leaving families with small children to trudge from afar anyway. Permits are a fair way of distributing space to the local community and have the full support of this household. Those complaining about the annual charge - which is insignificant - can always comfort themselves with the fact that resident parking schemes add several thousand pounds to house values as well.

TOBY SHELLEY, Walsworth Road, Hitchin