Hertfordshire speed management strategy

Our current approach sets speed limits based in part on how fast people drive and ride. We want to change this approach and instead set speed limits based on the function and use of that road and what is safe. For example, main roads in urban areas generally tend to be 30mph, but if a school is located on this type of road, that part of the road should be 20mph.

How much do you agree with our proposed new approach to managing traffic speeds? *

Our proposed approach is to introduce lower speed limits first, and then apply additional measures, such as signage, crossings, and other interventions where needed, to further reduce speeds and improve compliance. These measures would be prioritised over time, with local community support where appropriate.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with introducing lower speed limits first, followed by targeted interventions over time to support compliance? *

Our proposed approach recognises residential streets as places for people, where lower speeds improve safety and quality of life.
It replaces a more limited approach where 20mph is applied selectively and often depends on existing speeds or schemes.

How strongly do you support using 20mph as the speed limit for most residential streets and community areas? *

Our proposed approach aims for clear, consistent speeds across wider areas. It replaces the current approach, which is more reactive and focused on individual roads one at a time.

How strongly do you support reviewing speed limit changes across whole areas or towns / villages, rather than just on individual roads? *

Speed limits are set to reduce harm, so that if a crash happens people are less likely to be killed or seriously injured. Speed limits should also consider the impact on people’s health and wellbeing, such as traffic noise and vibration.

It builds on the current approach, which has focused more on managing risk at specific locations rather than wider outcomes.

How important do you think it is that speed limits are set for improving safety, health and quality of life in your area? *

Our proposed approach recognises that rural roads and lanes can present different challenges than urban streets.

These roads often have higher speed limits, but also include features such as bends, narrow widths, limited visibility and shared use by people walking, wheeling, cycling and riding.

We want to explore whether more could be done to ensure that speeds on rural roads reflect the type of road and how at-risk people are when using it rather than relying mainly on the national speed limit

How strongly do you agree or disagree that more should be done to reduce speeds on rural lanes, including reviewing how the national speed limit is used and communicated, to let people walk, wheel, ride or drive safely? *

Our proposed approach includes making greater use of technology to support safer speeds.
This could include tools that help people understand the right speed, encourage compliance and support consistent enforcement across the network.

We recognise that technology is one part of a wider system, alongside road design, speed limits, behaviour and enforcement.

How strongly do you agree or disagree with greater use of technology (such as speed indicator signs, digital mapping, and enforcement tools like average speed cameras) to help people driving or riding keep within speed limits? *

We recognise that local communities have valuable insight into how roads and streets are experienced day to day.
This includes how safe people feel, where there are concerns, and where change may be most needed.

We want to understand how important it is for communities to be involved in shaping and supporting speed management decisions in their local area.

How important is it that local communities have a say and contribute towards speed management initiatives? *