Drastic traffic restrictions and road layout changes in the heart of Watford town centre have been proposed as part of the ongoing redevelopment of a shopping centre.

The council-owned Charter Place Shopping Centre is currently being rebuilt and integrated with the existing intu Watford centre, creating a single 1.4 million sq ft retail destination.

Due to the expected increase in footfall resulting from the £180 million scheme, plans to create a “high quality pedestrian-friendly environment” have been put forward.

Reductions in on-street parking and traffic flow from Clarendon Road to Market Street are being sought, as well as a review on how buses use this stretch.

Watford Observer:

The installation of rising bollards at each end of the proposal area has also been suggested, operating during evenings and weekends to ensure only buses and commercial vehicles have access.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst praised the idea, saying: “Making this section of the High Street more pedestrian friendly and restricting it to buses only will greatly improve the shopping experience and allow for more people to enjoy the outdoor environment, especially with some extra seating and less traffic fumes."

READ MORE: Exclusive look at £180m development in Watford town centre​

Watford resident Nikki Herron was also in favour, adding: "Anything that improves the shopping experience and makes it easier for pedestrians so we do not have to cope with cars cutting through here would be great.

“Making the bus stops much clearer with a fewer separate stops will make it easier for everyone"

As part of the new proposals, the carriageway between Clarendon Road and Market Street could be narrowed, with a contraflow cycle lane installed within the carriageway.

Some bus routes could be diverted so they no longer pass through that section of the High Street, while bus stops B, C and D will be merged into single stop.

Five disabled parking bays will be moved from the area but expanded to 10 new bays in Church Street.

It is intended that the works will commence by March 2018 and be completed by September the same year in time for the opening of the new retail facilities.