PROPOSED 20MPH ZONE – BISHOP’S STORTFORD WEST

Herts County Council (HCC) is proposing the introduction of a 20mph zone in Bishop’s Stortford West and wants to hear the views of local residents. The consultation opened this week and will close on Monday, 17 March 2025 (11.45pm).

https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/consultations/transport-and-highways/proposed-20mph-zone-bishops-stortford-west.aspx

HCC has provided the following background to the proposal:

What is the purpose of the proposal? The proposal aims to make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle by creating a lower speed environment. We would like to improve safety for all road users and reduce the likelihood and severity of injury collisions by lowering the speed limit.This proposal is part of a county-wide programme to introduce 20mph zones in suitable areas, to reduce speed of traffic and make it easier to walk and cycle. For more information on the countywide 20mph programme, please visit the following link: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/20mph.

What does a 20mph zone involve? Zone entry and terminal signs, repeater signs throughout the area and on-road 20mph markings will be installed. Why are some roads excluded from the proposals?Not all roads will be suitable for 20mph speeds. Some roads may be excluded from the proposals due to their nature, construction, or usage. Roads that are gated, signed as private or unadopted by the council with a different speed limit are not included.

Are there any traffic calming measures included within the proposed 20mph zone? Where existing average vehicle speeds are over 24mph, traffic calming is needed to reduce and control speed to appropriate levels for a 20mph area. Traffic calming would need to be provided on Thorley Hill, Havers Lane, Elizabeth Road, and Piggotts Way. Details of the location and type of traffic calming measures are included in the accompanying plan

The BSDFA is supportive of any measures that improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in and around Bishop’s Stortford. We will be looking closely at the proposed ‘traffic calming measures’ in particular as the ‘consultation’ appears to have omitted areas that would greatly benefit from safer crossing points. A good example is the Havers Lane junction with South Road, which is a popular crossing point for commuters walking to the rail station and residents accessing the river towpath. The existing junction configuration is confusing and difficult to cross.