New measures are set to be taken to prevent motorists parking dangerously close to a new parade of shops in the Meriden.

Watford Community Housing (WCH) says it is looking to address the issue poor parking around the shopping parade, which has been revamped as part of the Meriden Regeneration Project.

It comes after pictures sent to the Watford Observer revealed some of the ways people are parking, including by zebra crossings and on the pavement in front of other parked cars.

One person said some motorists are also blocking residents by parking across their parking bays as well as over pelican crossings and double yellow lines.

WCH says it is aware of people’s concerns over parking and is working with its contractor Mulalley and Hertfordshire County Council to address the issue “as quickly as possible”.

It has also revealed how it plans to stop bad parking in the area, including installing railings on Meriden Way, including at the junction with York Way, as well as installing additional interim parking spaces opposite the parade.

Ruche Peng, Senior Project Manager for the Meriden Regeneration at WCH, said: “We are aware of residents’ concerns over the risks created by people parking dangerously and illegally, close to the new shopping parade at the Meriden.

"The safety of residents is our top priority and we are working closely with our partners at Hertfordshire County Council and our contractor, Mulalley, to address this issue as quickly as possible.

“We are currently awaiting approval from Hertfordshire County Council to install railings on Meriden Way, including at the junction with York Way, to prevent dangerous parking and protect both road users and pedestrians.

"To help further alleviate the issue, we have also agreed to install additional interim parking spaces opposite the parade for visitors to the shops and we will provide an update to residents in the coming weeks.”

As well as a new shopping parade, the Meriden Regeneration Project is also bringing with it 133 homes, an expanded community hub, a flexicare facility for older people and new green spaces.

The redevelopment of the Meriden has also meant the temporary closure of the existing post office, but WCH has worked with the Post Office to arrange for a temporary service to be provided at the Meriden Community Centre.

The new ‘pop-up’ unit is now open and will remain available until the beginning of October.