A COUNCILLOR claims she now lives in the “most expensive road in Hatfield” after parking permits were introduced on Monday.

Tory Caron Juggins was shocked to hear parking restrictions were being put in place in her home street of Park Meadow, Old Hatfield.

Residents will now have to pay �25 for one permit, and �40 more if they want a second.

Cllr Juggins said: “I don’t think it was thought through.

“I’m sure the majority of people have said they want them, but I just feel it’s the most expensive place to live now.”

But a Welwyn Hatfield Council spokeswoman rebutted the claim the new resident permit parking scheme was ill-conceived, with work beginning in December 2009.

The spokeswoman said: “Initial consultation letters were delivered in December 2009 to find out if residents wanted restrictions.

“A second letter was delivered in February 2010 and residents were also invited to attend an exhibition to view the design of the restrictions.

“A notice of intention was published in the WHT on 27 October 2010, and notices erected on-street.”

She added objections were heard at the cabinet housing and planning panel on December 15 and were ratified by Cllr Juggins’ Tory party colleagues at the cabinet meeting in January.