People are being encouraged to have their say on a transport plan that could change the face of South West Hertfordshire.

The county council says it understands the increasing demand on our roads and with thousands of new homes expected to be built over the coming years, the strain is only likely to get worse.

So the council wants to improve public transport links, cycling and pedestrian facilities, as well as make road redesigns on motorways and A-roads to find a solution to the problem.

We have compiled a list of the key proposals across the Watford and Three Rivers area, and St Albans and readers are then encouraged to give their thoughts as part of a consultation as well as find out more about the plans.

At this stage, it is important to remember that these are just concept ideas and your views will help decide whether a proposal moves to a next stage.

• Creating slip roads on the M25 at j21 which will allow all traffic movements between the M1 and M25 and ease congestion on the A405. Currently you cannot get onto the M25 directly if you are travelling northbound on the M1 and you cannot directly get onto the M1 southbound if you are travelling in either direction on the M25.

• Reducing the A405 to one lane and a bus lane and improving cycling facilities on the A405.

• Turning the Watford ring road into a two-way road.

• Reconfiguration of the one-way system near Watford Junction.

• Creating a park-and-ride at j5 for the M1, near the A41.

• Creating slip-roads for access to the M1 at j4.

• Introduction of a new St Albans South public transport hub which would improve access along the Abbey line which runs between Watford and St Albans.

• New traffic link road connecting Colonial Way and St Albans Road.

• Improving cyclist and pedestrian facilities within Watford town centre.

• Creation of a park-and-ride hub near Kings Langley train station with improved bus links towards Watford town centre and Watford and Croxley business parks.

• Priority bus lanes along the A41 from Hemel Hempstead to j19 for the M25.

• Reducing Ascot Road to one lane and a bus lane.

• New southern access to Watford and Croxley business parks for buses and pedestrians. The introduction of a new bus and cycle link across the River Colne linking South Oxhey and the business parks.

• Upgrade and improvement in access along Ebury Way.

• Enhanced bus services through Bushey and Carpenders Park, and between Hemel Hempstead and Watford.

• Enhanced cycle way links between Watford town centre and Cassiobury Park.

• Introduction of a cycle lane along Hempstead Road (on or off road).

• Improving cycling facilities towards Rickmansworth train station.

• Introduction of a 20mph zone in Church Street in Rickmansworth.

Derrick Ashley, Hertfordshire County Council member for growth, infrastructure, planning & economy, said: “The schemes in the South West Herts Growth and Transport Plan are only concepts at this stage and haven’t been developed in detail.

“The draft plan aims to improve people’s transport choices with a focus on sustainable transport, to support economic development goals whilst also looking after the environment and community wellbeing.

“The consultation remains open until 17 September and we would encourage people to comment on the objectives as well as the concepts, and give their views. “

Visit https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/consultations/transport-and-highways/south-west-herts-growth-transport-plan-consultation.aspx to give your thoughts and find out more about the proposals.

You have until September 17 to have your say.