Herts County Council to ramp up roll-out of 20mph zones
Hertfordshire highways chiefs have earmarked £2.3 million in their 2024-25 budget proposals for more 20mph zones.
According to the county council, the speed reduction areas can improve road safety, create calmer streets and encourage more walking and cycling.
The roll-out of the zones where they are “viable, affordable and in line with the speed management strategy” is among the council’s key highways priorities.
This year (2023-24), the council has invested £3m in 20mph zones, with plans to inject a further £1.7m in 2025-26 too. By the end of 2025-26, it’s estimated there could be more than 50 such zones across the county.
Executive member for highways and transport Cllr Phil Bibby stressed the importance of making roads safer for all users. He said the 20mph zones could reassure walkers and cyclists close to traffic.
However, he also stressed the need for schemes to be embraced by residents and pointed to plans that had not progressed because there had not been local buy-in.
Overall in 2024-25, the council has set out plans to spend almost £80m of revenue on highways and transport, with an additional £106m earmarked for capital projects.
The bulk of the budget is allocated to maintaining and improving the county’s 3,200 miles of highways.
Other priorities highlighted within the budget document include a drainage programme to reduce flooding, as well as an expansion of the active travel network.