Full parking enforcement will resume across a whole district from Monday.

Three Rivers District Council says parking restrictions and charges will be reintroduced in its car parks and in pay and display bays as more shops begin to open.

Permit bays will also be enforced.

Parking restrictions were relaxed by the council during lockdown - it meant drivers could park in council car parks or shopping streets for free and for as long as they wanted to.

Only dangerous parking was being enforced by traffic wardens.

Click here for details about parking in Watford and Hertsmere

But as lockdown measures have eased, the council, in line with all other councils in Hertfordshire, is bringing its parking restrictions back.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, lead member for transport, said: "With more businesses opening we do understand that more residents will be going to our shopping centres, towns and villages.

"I urge wherever possible for residents to walk or cycle, both being healthy and good exercise rather than reverting to a car, especially for short journeys."

To compensate for the three months reduced service, existing permits will be extended by three months at the permit renewal time.

If permits have expired during this period then drivers will be contacted to renew their permits and this will also be extended.

The council says healthcare and critical workers displaying the national parking pass issued by their employer can continue to park in permit bays and pay and display bays in car parks free of charge.

Some parking has been lost however after social distancing measures were introduced in Rickmansworth town centre.

In agreement with Hertfordshire County Council, parking and loading bays in High Street between Station Road and Church Street have been suspended.

This allows pedestrians more space to move and help keep a two metre distance from others.

Cllr Giles-Medhurst said: "As non-essential shops re-open from Monday, it is important that people return to their local high streets and shops but in a safe way. The measures that are put in place will support our local community in maintaining the social distance requirements needed to protect them and others.”

"The council will monitor compliance with the guidance issued for public spaces.

"We recommend you stay close to home and that you help people who need special priority including older people, less mobile people, and healthcare workers.

"If you would like to recommend a change in your town or village, to support social distancing, you can contact the county councl on 0300 123 4047."

Three Rivers says it will monitor the situation and will see if it is feasible to close the section of High Street between Station Road and Church Street to traffic.