Councils encourage residents to respond to 20mph consultations as deadline approaches
Residents, businesses, schools and local communities in Welwyn Hatfield are being encouraged to share their views on proposals for additional 20mph speed limits before consultations close.
Hertfordshire County Council is seeking local knowledge that could help shape a possible wider network of 20mph roads in Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City, with the aims of improving road safety, creating calmer streets, and encouraging more walking and cycling.
The consultations were launched on 14 September, and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council are urging as many people as possible to read the online documents and take the surveys before the Sunday 11 October deadline. Feedback from residents will be used to help decide if, and where additional 20mph speed limits may be appropriate.
Lower speed limits can give people more choice in how they travel locally, whether they are walking to school, cycling to the station, catching a bus, or accessing local shops and services.
The county council’s Right Place, Right Pace approach recognises that different roads serve different purposes, and the plans do not assume that every road should become 20mph.
Councillor Rose Grewal, Leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Executive Member for Planning, said:
“We want Welwyn Hatfield’s streets to be safe and welcoming for everyone. Local people know their neighbourhoods best, and we encourage residents and businesses to share their views, whether you support the proposals, have concerns, or wish to comment on a particular road.
“Your views will be key in informing Hertfordshire County Council’s consideration of any future proposals, so please take a few minutes to complete the surveys before the deadline.”
Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth at Hertfordshire County Council, said:
“We want our roads to be safe. Our Right Place, Right Pace approach recognises that different roads and communities have different needs, which is why local feedback is so important.
“I’d encourage residents in Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City to reply to the consultation before it closes. Your response will direct future decisions. If you want safer streets you need to tell us.”