Council plans to introduce a controlled parking zone on several more streets in West Watford has sparked a "say no" campaign from businesses in the area.

Watford Borough Council started the consultation in 2013 following a petition from M/N zone residents to change the current match day controls to a full controlled parking zone.

Terry Hodgson, 64, owns two houses on Whippendell Road which he rents rooms out of and runs a bed and breakfast.

He said businesses won’t survive if the zone becomes fully controlled and has started a petition with a number of other shop keepers who would be affected by the change.

Mr Hodgson said: "The council organised a survey for the businesses which was carried out about a month ago.

"Residents want to park outside their house, but that’s a dream. Those days are long gone.

"You only have to look over the road where there is a fully controlled zone to see it doesn’t work like that even with permits.

"At night, when everyone is home from work, it is really busy - but during the day when many businesses are open there are spaces on the road. It doesn’t need more restrictions."

Mr Hodgson, who lives in Nascot village, has run his business for 27 years.

He said the parking situation for residents would not be improved, but they would probably have to pay more for a permit and on top of that pay for vouchers for visitors.

Currently zone M/N permits, which include residents between Harwoods Road, Whippendell Road and Hagden Lane, cost £6 and £12 for the second.

But Harwoods Road resident Viktoria Gal, 27, said a controlled parking zone would greatly improve life for local residents.

She said: "I’m really happy. Parking near my home is just a nightmare, it’s always been like that since I have lived here. If you arrive after 8pm it’s really hard to get a park on my road - only if you are lucky.

"As soon as it’s a match day it’s so much easier. I don’t know who is parking here without permits - even if they are people who do not live on this road.

"Not many people in the area have their own driveways, yet on other roads with larger houses and off street parking there seem to be more restrictions. It doesn’t seem fair."

Another resident in M/N, Peter Machin, 20, said: "Clearly a commonsense approach needs to be taken with regards to parking in West Watford. Residents should have priority over visitors, as currently people who live in this area find it extremely difficult when trying to find space outside or close to their home."

The say no campaign is holding a zone meeting on October 21 at Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Whippendell Road.