A 20mph zone has been introduced across a neighbourhood following a campaign from councillors.

The new speed limit has been implemented in several roads in North Watford after residents requested measures to stop speeding in the area.

The previously 30mph residential streets can often be used as a rat-run by drivers avoiding congestion in St Albans Road.

County councillor Asif Khan and borough councillor Richard Smith secured the backing of Hertfordshire County Council and the police in 2019 for a 20mph zone following a speeding survey funded by Cllr Khan's locality budget.

Cllr Asif Khan and Cllr Richard Smith pictured in 2019 as part of their campaign for a new 20mph zone in North Watford

Cllr Asif Khan and Cllr Richard Smith pictured in 2019 as part of their campaign for a new 20mph zone in North Watford

Eighteen months after consultation, the 20mph scheme has been introduced in the following roads: Woodside, Chestnut Walk, Foxhill, Beech Road, Cherry Tree Road, Middle Way, Longspring, Fuller Road, Berry Avenue, Oakdene Road, and Fuller Gardens.

The new 20mph zone also covers Thrums, Hazel Tree Road, Leggatts Wood Avenue, Pomeroy Crescent, Beechwood Rise, Ash Tree Road, Brushrise, Leggatts Way (between Churchfields Road and Gammons Lane), Elm Grove, Dell Road, Maude Crescent, Nicholas Close, and St George’s Road (between The Harebreaks and Fuller Road).

New speed limit signs have gone up while the new limit has also been painted on some roads as well.

Roughly the neighbourhood where the new 20mph zone has been introduced. Credit: Google Maps

Roughly the neighbourhood where the new 20mph zone has been introduced. Credit: Google Maps

Cllr Smith said: "I am really pleased to see these roads are now part of a 20 mph zone. Experience and evidence from other areas have shown that they reduce speed and make areas safer.

"We have been listening to residents views and the next area will be the Chilcott Road area where residents have shown support for a zone there."

Cllr Khan added: "I am really pleased that we have finally got there. The majority of residents in the area were in favour of the scheme and this will bring speeds down.

"It has taken a long time to get into place, with the amount of bureaucracy involved, I am not surprised. I am determined to make the process faster so residents do not have to wait so long."