A PARK and ride scheme for students, staff and visitors to the University of Hertfordshire will begin charging next week.

The university has provided the 700-car facility at Angerland common, off South Way, Hatfield, since 2006 in a bid to get cars off surrounding roads.

From Monday, it will begin charging 70p a day, which includes a free bus ride to and from its campuses.

University bosses are also opening a second venue, with 150 spaces, at the south side car park at Stanborough Lakes, WGC.

This site will be free to use.

A spokesman said: “While the university wants to keep the costs for students and staff to a minimum, in order to cover costs and continue our investment in student facilities it was felt a small charge was necessary. Our car parking charges are among the lowest at any university and we encourage car-sharing and the use of public transport where possible.”

He added: “At Stanborough Lakes, there will be 150 spaces reserved at the south side, however if it is felt that we are encroaching on spaces used by the public/park visitors there is the flexibility to move to the north side. All this has been done in consultation with Finesse Leisure Partnership and it is our aim not to encroach on the spaces for the park visitors.”

A Finesse Leisure spokesman confirmed the university would be paying for the use of the facility, although refused to reveal how much the agreement was worth.

• What do you think of the university’s stance? Will this increase parking on surrounding residential roads? Or is 70p a reasonable fee for all day parking?

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