Parking operation improves safety in Parkhouse Court

Parking operation improves safety in Parkhouse Court

Police and partners have conducted a parking operation in Hatfield as part of ongoing work to improve safety in Parkhouse Court.

The Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team were at the newly re-opened bus station across Wednesday to Friday (21-23 October). 

PCs were joined by parking enforcement officers from Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, making sure that no vehicles were parked illegally or causing dangerous traffic obstructions.

The operation is part of ongoing work by the police and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council to make the Parkhouse Court area safer. In August, a Public Spaces Protection Order was introduced and has already led to a decrease in anti-social behaviour.

Police and the local council have been working closely with Hertfordshire County Council, who own the bus station, to ensure it becomes a safe and welcoming environment for residents, commuters and visitors. Work has included barriers to prevent obstructive parking and ANPR cameras.

Welwyn Hatfield Chief Inspector Chris Rutter said: “We have been carrying extensive work to make Parkhouse Court a safer area and it is important that the new bus station is part of that work.

“Our operation aimed to provide a visible presence, ensuring that drivers are aware of the new parking restrictions in the area. There is signage installed making clear that parking is not allowed and patrols will be carried out by both police and the council’s parking enforcement officers. Vehicles that park there will be towed and their owners prosecuted.

“The bus station is an important transport hub for local people and we want everyone who uses it to feel safe and welcome. By working closely with our partners, we are helping to create an environment that is free from anti-social behaviour and dangerous parking.”

Councillor Jane Quinton, Executive Member for Environment at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, said: “We want all our communities to feel safe and are working hard to tackle anti-social behaviour in our neighbourhoods and public spaces. 

“Dangerous and illegal parking is unfair and unacceptable, so I am proud of this joint operation to tackle the issue at Parkhouse Court as part of our ongoing partnership work with Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire County Council.

“Building on the success of the Public Spaces Protection Order we introduced in August, this initiative will further reduce anti-social behaviour and help to make the bus station and surrounding area a safe and welcoming place for local people, commuters, visitors and businesses.”