Older drivers are being charged almost £200 to park their cars for just a few hours a day under a major new rule change being considered by officials.

St Albans City and District Council has launched a consultation looking into the feasibility of launching a new Access Pass for those over the age of 70.

The new cars will cost locals £190 per annum and can be used to access all Council-run car parks in the area.

However, council chiefs have already confirmed the new system will come with strict time limits motorists must follow.

Cardholders will only be able to stop their vehicles in a council parking bay for one visit per day and only for three hours at a time.

Councillor Helen Campbell, Chair of the Public Realm Committee and Lead for Car Parking claimed the new pass would make it “easier” for older drivers to get around.

She explained: “We are committed to being an inclusive Council that is responsive to the needs of all our community.

“We know that many of our older citizens are happy to pay by contactless cards and mobile phone apps, but there are some who struggle with these modern methods.

“An Access Pass is designed to help them by providing a more traditional way of paying, making it easier for them to use our car parks.

“We want people to take part in this consultation and provide us with their views before we make any final decisions.”

To be eligible for an Access card, drivers have to be residents of the District and must be born before 1954.

It means the scheme is only open to local individuals who are aged at least 70 and above

The consultation is set to close on Tuesday 17 September with individuals able to have their say here

The new concept comes just weeks after St Albans City and District Council angered locals by introducing a range of new parking rules.

Motorists parking across the District are now only eligible for two free 20-minute parking sessions each day.

Meanwhile, motorists who go above this will be slapped with a £2.50 per hour fee.

The plan had hoped to ease the pressure on car parking bays in St Albans City Council and Harpenden Town Centre due to high demand.

However, a recent Change.org poll calling against the planned introduction of on-street parking charges received almost 7,000 signatures.

Poll founder Barrie Woolston said: “The undersigned, request and petition St Albans District Council to amend their parking policy and reverse the decision to charge for on-street parking in Harpenden town centre.

“The Council should allow for a minimum of one hour on-street free parking in Harpenden town centre.”