PARKING for commuters across North Herts may have become that little bit easier. Cait Hayman, of Kershaw s Hill in Hitchin, has hit on an idea of getting commuters to park their vehicles on the driveways of other residents – and pay them for the privilege

PARKING for commuters across North Herts may have become that little bit easier.

Cait Hayman, of Kershaw's Hill in Hitchin, has hit on an idea of getting commuters to park their vehicles on the driveways of other residents - and pay them for the privilege of doing so.

The scheme, called Driveway Letting Agency, has advantages for both parties as Miss Hayman, 34, explains: "Because people who own driveways go to work, there are vacant spots available all day and therefore they can offer commuters an available parking space in which to park their car.

"The commuters pay £15 for the week, cheaper than many parking areas, and they get peace of mind. They won't be given parking tickets, or won't be bumped by other vehicles.

"As for the residents, having a car on their driveway makes it look as though someone is at home all day. Plus they will be getting a little extra money.

"It's a case of matching people up with each other depending on when they start and finish work."

Parking is a problem in certain areas of the town, most notably Ickleford Road and in the town's Triangle area - around Verulam Road, Nightingale Road and Walsworth Road.

Miss Hayman believes her scheme helps to ease these problems: "There are certainly problems. When I moved in to my house eight years ago there was talk of parking permits.

"They never came into force but there have always been problems with being able to find a suitable car parking spot."

About 40 people have called to register an interest in joining and things have moved so quickly that plans to branch out into Letchworth GC are being considered.

"People have been so keen to take part in Hitchin that I'm looking into starting something similar in Letchworth in the New Year. The car park at the station isn't the largest and there are plenty of houses with vacant driveways," Miss Hayman said.

To find out more call 01462 420669 or 07976 203042.