The leader of Hertsmere's Liberal Democrats has threatened a motion of no confidence if councillors do not act on parking problems they promised to address more than two years ago.

Following an “outrageous and unhelpful” answer to a resident's question at Wednesday's full meeting of Hertsmere Borough Council, Bushey Park Councillor Lynne Hodgson said she would aim to “embarrass” Transport Portfolio Holder Councillor John Donne if solutions to parking issues in Bushey Heath were not suggested before the end of the year.

The council-run car park at the centre of the controversy, in High Road, opposite St Peter's Church, has attracted heavy criticism for being constantly blocked by neighbouring businesses.

At Wednesday's meeting, Councillor Donne answered a question from Bushey Heath resident Mr G Corre. Mr Corre had previously brought about a vote for action at a meeting of Bushey's community panel the Bushey Forum.

Mr Donne replied: “I fully appreciate Mr Corre's concerns and I have been working with officers to identify a realistic and feasible solution to these issues for some time now.

"I am anxious to ensure that any measures introduced by the council do not affect those members of the public who need to use the car park opposite St Peter's Church and do not result in cars parking being displaced into the neighbouring streets.

“I intend to bring some proposal to the executive in the near future. Subject to the views of the executive these would be published for a three week period to allow for formal objections.

"If a solution can be identified which meets with general support from the local residents and businesses in Bushey Heath I hope that the required orders can be put in place before too long.”

Similar responses have been made by Mr Donne at previous meetings of the council.

Councillor Hodgson said she had discussed the issue with the council's newly appointed Chief Executive Donald Graham and pointed him towards a motion that was unanimously passed by the council in November 2006.

This motion read: “This Council resolves that all possible steps should be taken with whatever legislative powers the Council has in any individual case, to prohibit and take enforcement action against the use of public highways in the Borough and its car parks for the display of vehicles for sale and storage and custody of vehicles by businesses being detrimental to individual and householder parking.”

Councillor Hodgson said: “No action for two years is disrespectful for the council as a whole. Two years means they are refusing to do anything about it and yet they voted for it. He (Councillor Donne) is not doing his job. A motion in council is like law. It showed be followed through.”