A consultation about whether to introduce controlled parking in several more streets in West Watford has showed the scheme would not be supported by residents.

The survey of residents’ views in zone M/N, which is currently controlled during Watford FC match days, revealed the majority of residents opposed the change as they considered parking problems worst after 6.30pm – when the scheme would not be in operation.

But the ‘say no’ campaign – headed by traders in the zone – who have opposed changes to parking in the area still fears the council may introduce fully controlled parking road by road.

The consultation, carried out by JMP for Watford Borough Council, concluded: “Based upon the consultation responses received it is concluded that the introduction of a full CPZ would not be supported by the collective community.

"Whilst individual streets, or sections of streets, may be in favour of full controls, the geographic spread of these streets mean that it would be difficult to create a separate CPZ zone for these streets.”

Streets in favour of a full CPZ included Bramleas, Cherrydale, and Princes Avenue. In addition short sections Harwoods Road, Kennsington Road, and Whippendell Road also had a majority of residents in favour of the full scheme.

But the report added that these streets and parts of streets “do not naturally form into a single geographic area that could be segregated into a separate CPZ zone with a full CPZ implemented”.

‘Say no’ campaigner Terry Hodgson, 64, who runs a bed and breakfast in Whippendell Road, said businesses would not survive if a fully controlled parking zone was implemented.

He said traders in West Watford are concerned that the council might try and bring in new parking controls in the streets and parts of streets that had a majority yes vote.

He said: “For a number of years it seems the mayor and Vicarage ward councillors have attempted to make zone M/N a full-time controlled parking zone. To a cost to the taxpayer, the mayor employed JMP Consultants Ltd to carry out the consultation – and we said we wanted to keep it a match day only controlled parking zone.

“However, this report has not been made available to the residents and businesses in zone M/N.

“We want assurances the mayor or councillors won’t devise a method to subvert the democratic decision of the residents of zone M/N and to continue to attempt to convert zone M/N or parts of it into a fully controlled parking zone.

“Namely by converting one or two roads or sections of roads without further consultation with residents.”