New transport schemes drawn up to make Watford more sustainable

Everyone knows Watford already suffers from terrible gridlock and thousands of new homes in the town over the coming years will only exacerbate the situation.

Both Watford Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council recognise the problems Watford as a town faces - and both councils know action has to be taken.

The new 'Transforming Travel in Watford' strategy for 2021 to 2041 is the latest plan to make it easier - and greener - for people to get around Watford, with a particular focus on walking, cycling, and using public transport.

It has been developed following consultation with residents and businesses and a range of other organisations in 2020.

A bus stop in Lower High Street. Credit: Watford Borough Council

Here's a snapshot of what is being proposed for the town - and how residents and businesses can have their say.

The need to improve the environment

The climate emergency has become one of the hottest topics in recent months and protecting the environment and people's health in Watford is one of the biggest priorities.

Watford Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and set a goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.

Over the last couple of years, the council has attempted to encourage drivers out of their cars by launching a bike hire scheme and an on-demand bus service, operated by Arriva.

But council data has revealed people in Watford are still far too reliant on their vehicle with as many as as 1 in 5 car journeys in Watford lasting less than a mile.

Watford ring road. Credit: Watford Borough Council (Image: Watford Borough Council)

So what is planned?

Quite a large number of ideas have been drawn up by the borough and county council. Some we already know about from Watford's local plan process, others have been rumoured for some time, while further plans look to be brand new.

Standout schemes include the potential introduction of two park and ride car parks - one by junction 5 for the M1 and the other by junction 20 for the M25 near Kings Langley.

There's also plans for a new "sustainable travel hub" at the bottom end of the town centre where the lower High Street meets the ring road.

And there's the HERT mass rapid system which could link Watford with the rest of Hertfordshire - and could there be another alternative to the Met Line extension on the cards?

A mock-up of what the HERT mass rapid transit system could look like. Credit: Hertfordshire County Council

Related: Council introduces new HERT mass rapid transit system

Here's a list of some of the ideas that have been put forward in the new transport strategy

• support the development of a new green rapid transit system including the cross county HERT system and alternatives to the Metropolitan Line Extension
• explore a sustainable transport hub in Watford town centre
• investigate two locations with potential for park and ride services
• introduce more bus lanes and other measures to give buses priority on key routes
• make it easier to cross Watford ring road by improving existing pedestrian and cycle crossings and adding new ones
• install new cycle lanes on the roads where people are most likely to want to cycle
• improve provision for cycling and buses on both the ring road and Dalton Way

Credit: Watford Borough Council

• create a 'Watford car club' that allows people and businesses to borrow a car as and when they need it
• explore the creation of hubs around the borough where different transport options can be found in one place
• continue to reduce the number of private vehicles allowed in Watford High Street
• enhance railway stations, especially Watford Junction, and make sure they are easy to get to by walking, cycling or public transport

Credit: Watford Borough Council

• make cycling, walking and public transport the priority between the High Street and Bushey Station
• continue to install electric vehicle charging points
• consider expanding bike hire scheme to more places
• slowing vehicles and reducing traffic, particularly outside schools
• reducing reliance on trucks and vans and introduce e-cargo bikes, more parcel lockers and freight consolidation centres

This map shows some of the key plans for Watford. Credit: Watford Borough Council

'A modern, reliable and sustainable transport system'

Speaking about the new strategy, Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: "There is an appetite in Watford for cleaner, greener and healthier travel options, this is evident in the way residents and commuters have embraced the Beryl bike-share scheme and the 120,000 journeys that have taken place since it was launched.

"We want to look further now and start putting the right things in place for achieving a modern, reliable and sustainable transport system which will be at the heart of the town’s success as a place to live and do business.

"It is so important that we work together to cut congestion and make our air cleaner in Watford."

Watford mayor Peter Taylor

Cllr Ian Stotesbury, portfolio holder for transport and sustainability, said: "It is vitally important that we make travelling around Watford right for our community and businesses.

"The right transport and travel solutions that allow us to move around Watford easily will support local jobs, make sure our economy thrives and ensure the community can make healthy, environmentally friendly choices."

Beryl bike hire scheme

Phil Bibby, cabinet member for highways and transport at Hertfordshire County Council, added: "We’ve been working closely with Watford Borough Council to develop this draft strategy to improve transport in the town over the next 20 years, and we are now keen to hear what people think.

"We all want cleaner air, safer roads, less congestion and better public transport, but we will need support from local people to actually deliver this in a sustainable way."

Watford

How to have your say

The draft strategy went live for consultation on August 18 and will run for eight weeks. People are being invited to take a look at the proposals and give feedback.

To view the strategy in full and respond to the consultation visit www.futuretravelwatford.com