Low traffic scheme for Cassiobury estate questioned by locals

Hertfordshire County Council has secured funding from the government to be spent on cycling and walking schemes across Hertfordshire.

There are four proposals for Watford, including the creation of a low traffic neighbourhood on the Cassiobury estate.

The council says it wants to create a "better walking and cycling environment on the estate" which also discourages rat-running drivers avoiding queues on Hempstead Road.

According to Watford borough councillor Peter Jeffree, the county council is considering reducing the number of cars on the estate by introducing a blockage or a width restriction in three roads - Woodland Drive, Cassiobury Drive, and Parkside Drive.

The measures are designed to either restrict through access altogether or slow vehicles down.

Crossroads of Cassiobury Drive and The Gardens where a blockage could be put in place to stop through traffic

Cllr Jeffree, who represents Park ward, which covers the Cassiobury estate, says this information came to light following talks with council officers - and not via the public consultation currently available online.

Cllr Jeffree has been ringing up a number of residents on the estate informing them about the proposals, including Austen Watts.

When Mr Watts heard about the potential changes, he was concerned about what impact a low traffic neighbourhood scheme would have on the estate's own residents, as well as the impact on Hempstead Road.

He said: "If they were to put a blockage on these roads on the estate, it would split the estate in two. Even those popping to the shops would be forced to go out onto Hempstead Road and into the traffic.

"As neighbours, we would be jostling for one exit. We have the school here. I could see the roads on here clogging up.

"From what I've been told, it just doesn't seem logical and doesn't solve the root cause of the problem. We think the council should be spending the money improving Hempstead Road, by maybe adding a lane.

"I'd encourage neighbours to have their say on the consultation."

Austen believes Langley Way, pictured, would become jammed up to Hempstead Road if the estate was 'divided in two'

Cllr Jeffree has described the current proposals on the consultation as "vague", and although he welcomes sustainable projects, he does not want to see drivers "penalised".

He said: "There is a recognised rat-run in Woodland Drive for one hour every evening, and drivers whizz along a little too fast.

"Whilst the borough council is in favour of promoting cycling, what we’re not in favour of is penalising drivers unnecessarily.

"I think a far better approach would be a 20mph speed limit across the estate. We should find a way of calming the traffic."

Junction of Woodland Drive and Stratford Way, showing the route drivers would need to take to the estate's shops if the estate was split

The county council is also looking at making changes where Stratford Way meets Hempstead Road, which Cllr Jeffree says could see a lane converted to bicycles only.

Concerned about what impact this would have on traffic in Hempstead Road, he described this proposal as "unwise".

People can have their say on the proposals for the Cassiobury Estate, as well as other schemes mooted for Watford on the county council website here.