Politicians voted through new stricter parking restrictions for Bushey Heath last night, hailing the measures as a “great advantage” to residents, shoppers and shopkeepers.

Pay and display machines will be installed in High Road shopping area, allowing 30 minutes free parking and then a charge of 20p for the next 30 minutes.

A controlled parking zone will also be established along St Peters Close, it was decided at Hertsmere Borough Council's executive meeting.

Currently motorists have a free hour’s parking in the High Road and the new measures are aimed at creating a higher turnover of visitors to the area.

Councillor Seamus Quilty, who represents Bushey Heath, voiced his supported for the restrictions saying he felt they would boost trade for Bushey's shops.

He said: "I will be supporting this particular recommendation. I believe that there will be a turn-around in short-term car parking outside the shops."

Councillor Quilty added he felt the first 30 minutes of free parking “will be a great advantage to our shoppers and will allow a turn-around.

“That is very important as we all know we either use our shops or lose our shops.”

A council survey of the Bushey Heath shopping area, conducted last summer, showed drivers regularly overstayed the one-hour restrictions.

Officials found up to 11 vehicles outstaying at any one time.

The survey also indicated that the parking bays near the two car sales garages in High Road were the worst affected.

Furthermore, residents in the High Road and St Peters Close had difficulty parking near their homes because of employees and shoppers parking in the unrestricted areas.

Councillor Brenda Batten, who also supported the recommendations, said: “I am sure the residents of the cottages, and that those living around St Peters Close, will very pleased to see a controlled parking zone there because they do have great problems, especially with the garages in close proximity there."

Council officers recommended the new scheme be a pay and display system to stop motorists hogging spaces.

The report said new restrictions would "discourage unnecessary all day parking, improve provision for short stay car parking in the prime retail frontage areas and protect the economic vitality and viability of the local shopping center".

The new restrictions are expected to be implemented in September.