A Hitchin pub has applied for permission to install number plate recognition cameras in its car park, to stop non-customers parking there.

McMullen & Sons wants to install two ANPR cameras and a series of warning signs in the car park at the Coopers Arms, Ickleford.

If approved, the scheme would mean the Tilehouse Street inn would require customers to register their vehicles on a panel inside the venue.

"The proposed alterations to the car park allow for modern car parking equipment to be installed that will effectively and efficiently manage the use of the car park," the application to North Herts Council said. 

"This is necessitated due to the pub's location within a busy village centre and the inconsiderate past use of the car park by non-patrons of the pub. 

"The system installed will allow visitors of The Coopers Arms to utilise the car park on a console registration process, whilst recognizing the patrons of the pub and not charging for their stay. 

"This benefits both the pub and the local village as it ensures that the car park isn't constantly full with long stay parkers utilising free spaces, creating space for their paying customers, and also freeing up paid parking for visitors to Hitchin."

The planning application said the signs will be located in "discrete locations around the car park".

See the full application here.