Experimental measures to close a High Street to traffic have been lifted during the week, but it is still closing on weekends.

The Rickmansworth High Street Recovery trial, which has been in place since June 2021, made the road car free after 10am every day.

But consultation during the trial revealed that many residents and businesses found the arrangements were not working for them, with 46 per cent of the 861 completed responses supportive of the trial measures and 49 per cent in favour of reopening.

After considering the responses, Hertfordshire County Council and Three Rivers District Council councillors recommended changes to reopen the High Street during the week but continue the closure on weekends.

Since April 20 it is therefore only closed from 10am on Saturdays until 6am on Mondays.

Three Rivers District Council's head of regulatory services Kimberley Rowley said: “The trial had benefitted many people visiting Rickmansworth High Street as well as cyclists, but there has been a mixed response from people who feel that keeping traffic-free is an inconvenience.

Watford Observer: Rickmansworth High Street signage.Rickmansworth High Street signage. (Image: Three Rivers District Council)“Closing the High Street to traffic on weekends only will achieve a balance of reopening the road to traffic but closing it on Saturdays and Sundays in order to keep that safe space for people who visit the local businesses, markets and events.”

Parking arrangements in the road have also been changed, to improve loading arrangements for business, as well as blue badge and pedestrian improvements.

Temporary signs have been put up to draw attention to the changes, alongside permanent signs to make them clear.

Watford Observer: Rickmansworth High Street.Rickmansworth High Street. (Image: Three Rivers District Council)

Timed Rickmansworth High Street closures were initially put in place during lockdown to help vulnerable people safely access services.

After engagement at the time showed support for retaining the changes as part of a trial, the council put this in place. The trial then ran from March 2023 and, after considering the responses, the decision to reopen during the week was confirmed in November last year.