Frequently asked questions
Why we need these measures
Hertfordshire Highways, Public Health and local district and borough councils identified locations where:
- existing town layouts would make social distancing difficult
- measures put in place by shops and businesses will require more space on footpaths.
Now that shops and pubs are open and traffic is increasing, pedestrians need space to safely socially distance.
How long it will be for
Whilst we’re still required to socially distance, these measures will be in place. We’ll keep reviewing and change things as the need and guidance changes.
Are the barriers necessary?
The barriers don’t look pretty but they do need to be immediately visible. They’re temporary and we’ll review options as time goes on.
We’re working to Public Health England guidance on pedestrian space in towns. We’ll only make changes based on further advice or guidance from Public Health.
Businesses
We’re listening to businesses who feel the measures are negatively affecting them. We’ll make requested changes if they don’t affect safe social distancing measures.
As time goes on, there may be opportunity to use more space for things like outside dining and shop front market stalls.
Customers need to feel safe and confident to start going to the shops again. Some businesses have said that the extra queueing space has been a benefit.
We’re reviewing loading bays on a case by case basis. Some loading bays will need to be closed to provide space for pedestrians.
Cyclists
We consider cyclists’ needs as part of any changes like this, but sometimes it’s not possible to accommodate their needs in addition to those of pedestrians and road users. The measures are temporary and, in these cases, we ask cyclists to dismount and walk through the pedestrianised areas.
Disabled parking bays
We’ll maintain access to disabled parking bays wherever possible. If we absolutely must close a disabled parking bay, we’ll make alternative arrangements close by.
Enforcing the new measures
We’re working with the police and district and borough councils to ensure new temporary measures (like parking restrictions and one-way streets) can be enforced. Some measures may take a little longer before they can be legally enforced.
Can we have a one-way system for pedestrians?
Unfortunately, a one-way system for people would make life difficult for blind or partially sighted people who use kerbs and barriers to get around.
Report damaged or moved barriers, cones and signs
Report damaged or moved barriers, cones and signs
We’re checking each location every day. Moving traffic management measures like cones, barriers and signs is a criminal offence, under the 1991 New Roads and Street Work Act.