New parking restrictions in Bluehouse Hill have resulted in more than 150 tickets in three months.

Since the controversial ban came into action on July 2 drivers face a £70 fine if they park in the pavement or grass verge along the busy road.

The district council has revealed that 166 people have been slapped with the fine since they were introduced.

Maria Stagg, regulatory services manager at the council, said: “The majority of these were served on weekends and days when the weather was good.

“Parking restrictions on Bluehouse Hill have been put in place for safety reasons - this is a busy road with fast moving traffic – and because parking on grass verges can cause a great deal of damage.

“The signage in place clearly states that people who park on the verges at Bluehouse Hill risk incurring a penalty notice.”

Of the fines that have been issues one was cancelled by the district council and three have been challenged awaiting response.

In total 17 of the tickets have not been paid.

In the weeks leading up to the enforcement the council gave warnings to people parking in the area.

Ms Stagg added: “The number of people parking in the restricted area along Bluehouse Hill has reduced since we began enforcing.”

The recommendation for the restrictions were first suggested in 2010 but soon after they were put in place the council went back on the decision and the signs were covered.

The ban was brought back in July affecting residents visiting Verulamium Park.

Fundraisers taking part in this year’s Race For Life race for Cancer Research were left outraged when they returned to see they had also been given tickets.