We are looking to introduce more 20mph areas to improve road safety, create calmer streets and encourage more walking and cycling.
Have your sayWhat we're doingHow we identify 20mph areas
Have your say
We've recently consulted on schemes in the following areas:
Broxbourne
St Albans
Welwyn Hatfield
We'll soon be consulting on further schemes across the county.
What we're doing
We have started gathering data on the current traffic speeds and volumes in target areas. This will inform what measures should be introduced.
Design work has started on some of the highest priority projects.
We'll consult local residents and stakeholders on all schemes so people can have their say on what is being proposed.
What changes we'll make
The minimum will be:
- a legal order to change the speed of the road to 20mph
- installing signs and road lining to advise drivers of the lower speed limit.
We may also need to install traffic calming measures. These will depend on the speed reduction needed and the existing road environment.
How we identify 20mph areas
We have identified over 500 areas where the local environment is likely to be suitable for 20mph speed limits. Generally residential roads, town and city centres, high streets and local shopping parades. The majority of these roads currently have 30mph limits.
Roads that are more important for transport and movement such as main roads are less suitable for 20mph. Unadopted roads also won't be included.
How we prioritise
Funding is available until March 2025, so we're targeting lower speed roads around places where people live, work, learn and shop – places where we want people to feel safe and comfortable in the street environment and encouraged to walk and cycle their journeys. This follows the principles of our Speed Management Strategy.
We have grouped suitable roads into potential 20mph areas separated by things like busy roads, green spaces or railway lines.
Areas have been prioritised based on factors such as density of houses, pavement space, nearby schools and existing Air Quality Management areas. We are also considering cost effectiveness.