A COUNCIL has said it has no plans to introduce weekend and bank holiday charges in its car parks, despite signs displayed around the town.

Traffic orders at North Herts District Council (NHDC) owned car parks are being displayed, informing of changes to come into effect later this month.

The order says charges will be introduced on bank holidays, public holidays, Sundays and evenings – which are all currently free – but the charge will be set at zero.

NHDC said it was a technicality, and was being made so charges could be introduced more easily in the future if need be.

It said it had no plans to implement any charge currently – but admitted changes could be made “in a few years”.

Cllr Tom Brindley, NHDC’s portfolio holder for planning, transport and enterprise, said: “We are not about to introduce charges for evenings, Sundays and bank holidays in any of our car parks.

“They are currently set as free and we have made a technical change to allow flexibility should charges be appropriate at some time in the future. Over the next few years we will be conducting parking reviews throughout North Herts and each car park will be assessed on a case by case basis.

“Any future plans to introduce charges would be in accordance with the usual car park charging review process and subject to consultation with the council’s area committees and town centre management.”

The order comes into effect on Friday, June 21.

As well as the “charges”, the order will make payment by telephone an optional service.

It revokes a previous order made in 2005.