New moped parking bays at Watford town centre McDonalds

The area will be created in King Street outside McDonald's to regulate the area and remove the bikes from the pavement, Watford Borough Council has announced.

It will be governed by a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) which will allow the council to enforce its proper use.

The moped parking will be opposite the Costa Coffee in King Street. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

By providing a designated legal bay, the council hopes it will help traffic flow and make the area more pedestrian-friendly.

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It added that the plans had been welcomed by delivery drivers, who it said recognise the need to keep people walking in the area safe.

It is part of a wider effort to improve the town centre. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

This latest addition to Watford's infrastructure is part of the council's broader efforts in the town centre to reduce traffic congestion, enhance safety, improve air quality, and support local businesses.

The move is part of a wider effort to improve the town centre’s roads, such as introducing automatic number plate recognition cameras (ANPR) to bus gates and limiting access to King Street's High Street section to buses and certain vehicles during specific hours.

Councillor Ian Stotesbury, responsible for transport and sustainability, said: “By providing designated parking spaces for motorcycles, it will contribute to a safer and more accessible urban environment for all residents and visitors, and also compliment enforcement to keep pavements clear for pedestrians.”

The works also form part of the council's phased improvement plan for various locations across the town, including King Street, Market Street, St Albans Road, Clarendon Road, and the town centre. Additionally, there will be a series of improvements for smaller parades across Watford.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “The introduction of the new moped bay on King Street reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing safety and convenience in the town centre. By formalising parking arrangements and removing vehicles from the pavement, we aim to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.”

With growing demand for accessible parking spaces, the council recently introduced five new on-street disabled parking bays along Church Street and an additional three bays on George Street.