Local authorities play a vital role in increasing walking and cycling, whilst steadily decreasing congestion in the local area. Here, we talk to East Herts Council’s leaders about their impending active travel plans.
With over 7.24 billion vehicle miles travelled on Hertfordshire roads in 2022, the county is the sixth largest population on the UK highway network, and with an increase of traffic between 2021-22 by 7.4%, there is a notable amount of localised congestion on the network.
In 2023, Hertfordshire County Council’s Traffic and Transport Data Report found that 83% of those surveyed supported more plans for walking and cycling.
East Hertfordshire District Council leader, Cllr Ben Crystall, is working on implementing key initiatives, to tackle congestion, and increased promotion of active travel.
He said: “We have an action packed 2024 ahead. Our Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWiPS), which outlines the main issues and plans for active travel in East Herts, went into its first stage of consultation last year, and we had the highest public engagement ever. There is a real appetite in the community to boost active travel in our area.”
The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) is being developed by East Herts district and Hertfordshire County Council, with the aim of enabling a long-term approach to improving networks in the district for cyclists and pedestrians, which will include the Bishop’s Stortford North bike route.
Outside of London, Hertfordshire is the forth most congested area, and both residents and businesses alike are keen to reverse the traffic flow.
East Herts Council’s 2023 – 2029 Air Quality Action Plan outlines the intent to improve air quality across the district. These actions include the development of the aforementioned local walking and cycling infrastructure plan, collaboration with Hertfordshire County Council in exploring how to minimise congestion and the promotion of public transport use, as well as electric car uptake.
In February this year, Cllr Tim Hoskin, Executive Member for Environmental Sustainability, oversaw the implementation of Airscan monitors in problematic areas, including Gascoyne Way, which provide real time information on air pollution.
He said: “Tackling air pollution and congestion has been at the top of the Council’s agenda, and we urge residents and businesses to walk, or cycle. East Herts District Council (EHDC) is implementing our parking strategy from April next year, and this will incorporate a number of targeted initiatives to lower congestion in our area, and deter driving short distances into town, including increased parking prices and civil enforcement. This will be going to consultation this summer.”
A greener vision for East Herts is certainly well underway, with a multitude of exciting, sustainable plans upcoming.
Cllr Ben Crystall summarised: “We have the launch of the new Hertford Theatre, which will bring great excitement to locals and will economically bolster the community. The theatre was constructed with sustainable materials, will have no use of gas in the building, and has a new, energy efficient system. Visitors will be actively encouraged to walk or cycle to events and entertainment.”
“Through a grant from the National Lottery Heritage fund, there will be renovations to Hertford Castle grounds, including landscaping enhancements and improvements to the river to create better wildlife habitats, and the re-location and upgrading of the play area, away from the noise and fumes from the dual carriageway.”
Click here for more information on East Herts’ journey to a greener future.