RESIDENTS in Baldock will finally be able to park on the streets they live on when parking restriction come into force later this year.

North Herts District Council (NHDC) will introduce parking permits on three streets in the town from monday, December 3

The roads affected will be Thurnall Close, Simpsons Drive and The Twitchell.

Residents living on these streets will have to purchase parking permits costing �76 a year from the council.

Cllr Michael Muir said: “The reason for introducing parking restrictions is to clear off unwanted cars meaning people living on these roads will be able to park in their own street.

“It will also allow for public services to be able to get down the streets without any restrictions because motorists will not be double parking.”

Cllr Muir said the scheme was being introduced because commuters were using side streets to park their cars, blocking driveways and reducing visibility. Restrictions on parking on Thurnall Close and The Twitchell will be between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

From the first week of December there will also be a no waiting time restriction on parts of Simpsons Drive, Thurnall Close and The Twitchell.

John West, owner of Baldock Hardware Store on Whitehorse Street, said although he will not be directly impacted by the scheme, his staff members will be.

He said: “Parking for businesses in Baldock is difficult and some sort of consideration should have been given to business owners and people who work in the town.