Traffic-limiting measures like cycle lanes will cause "gridlock and chaos" near a village, residents have warned.

Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) and Hertfordshire County Council want to create multiple traffic reduced areas across Three Rivers, including in Chorleywood. 

It is part of Hertfordshire County Council's Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs), which are designed to promote cycling and walking across the county.

The proposals in Chorleywood include having cycle paths in Common Road, as well as "modal filters" on Shepherd's Lane and Shepherd's Bridge, which are designated areas where traffic is restricted from travelling through at certain times.

Chorleywood Residents’ Association has voiced fears over increased knock-on congestion in the village. It also wrote to TRDC complaining that the consultation was only published online and in technical language making it unclear for residents.

Jane Tozer, chair of the association, said: “People in the village need to use cars, especially those with young children or who are trying to get to work. 

"These changes will slow down their journeys and force them to go the long way around the village.

“It will cause far more traffic and congestion than there is now and it will have a huge impact on locals.”

Ms Tozer said CRA only found out about the plans after "some searching", adding there were "no letters or leaflets shared about this and when we questioned it, the council told us it was too expensive to send out letters".

Local resident Adam Walker added: "These changes would cause gridlock in most of the town and cause chaos everywhere.

"I have never come across such a silly idea in all of my life."

He claimed "no one has any idea what is going on", and also said the details were only published online and worded in a way many would not understand.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: “We want to make it easier and more pleasant to walk and cycle, which is why we are proposing a number of projects to improve walking and cycling routes in the Three Rivers area.

"We’re keen to hear from people who live or work in the area, or currently use those routes, and we will be listening carefully to the comments people make before making any decisions on whether or not to proceed with the proposals.”

Residents have until today (July 17), to provide feedback in the consultation.