3:10pm Wednesday 30th December 2009
Tentative steps towards the introduction of 20mph zones have been backed by cyclists and safety campaigners in Watford.
Hertfordshire County Council has been asked to respond to a Government consultation on plans “to encourage” the introduction of 20mph zones or limits in residential areas and where there are lots of pedestrians and cyclists, such as schools, shops, markets and playgrounds.
County Councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for highways and transport, said: "A lot of what is being suggested by the Government is already contained in our speed management policy so we are happy to support these proposals.
“In fact, we are ahead of the game as in some parts of Hertfordshire - such as St Albans - we're already in discussions with the district council about 20mph zones.
"Obviously a widespread change in speed limits across the county will have financial implications, but we will continue to follow the Government proposals with interest, particularly in regard to funding any changes.
"We would also like to point out that, contrary to some reports, these proposals are only being consulted on and are not a new policy."
This announcement comes ten months after Spokes, the South West Herts Cycling Group, first spoke to the Watford Observer about why Watford should introduce 20mph zones in the town, following the success of similar schemes in Newcastle and Portsmouth.
Phil Gough, a Spokes campaign committee member for Watford, said today (Wednesday): “It's the first hopeful sign on a local basis of any movement in this area but there's quite a lot of opposition among the die hard motoring fraternity so it's one that hasn't been picked up very readily locally, even though there's now a number of towns that can demonstrate the benefits.
“Once the thing has gained a little of general acceptance then road humps shouldn't be necessary.
“It's definitely something we want to see. You only have to see the gridlock in the town and the use of cars on these old Victorian-type streets which are reduced to one lane by parking on both sides. It's something we've got to have in this area given the density and level of vehicle ownership.”
And Green Party county councillor Ian Brandon revealed surveys of some residents in north Watford were being taken to find out if there was support for 20mph zones.
He said: “It's something we certainly are glad to hear.
“Everyone hates speed bumps and chicanes. A 20mph zone is the next line of defence we're looking at to see whether that may relieve the problems.
“The main concern for residents is they don't want people driving at 40mph or 50mph down small roads.”
Local authorities have been asked to respond to the Government consultation by February 5, 2010.
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