23 Nov 2024
More needs to be done to improve traffic calming measures in St Albans’ historic George Street, according to retailers.
Since November 2023 a one-way system has been in place from Monday to Saturday morning and closed to traffic other than pedestrians and cyclists from 11am on a Saturday through to 7am Monday.
It is one of the surviving measures of the controversial city centre road closure initiative imposed by Herts county council during the pandemic and then extended for several years afterwards.
The George Street project aimed to improve safety on busy weekdays, while also freeing up space for cafés and restaurants to use at weekends. A cycle lane has been introduced for those cycling up George Street towards the city centre.
HCC has now opened a public consultation into whether the measures should be maintained or if the road should return to its previous format.
Traders are calling on HCC to commit to a properly implemented street scene.
Sean Hughes, proprietor of Dylans, said: “We want to see a progressive step towards a new street with a levelled surface and wider pavements which will be hugely beneficial to disabled shoppers, residents as well as parents with prams and the elderly.
“Creating a new narrow road on the street should prevent people from illegally parking and will create a space that can be used for tables and events and allow shoppers to peruse shop windows rather than feel like a burden to other pavement users.
“Like Market Place, we really need to find a budget from somewhere that can deliver a new layout that will benefit pedestrians which reduces emissions whilst also hitting council tourism targets.
“I personally feel that the cycle lane is very dangerous, especially at weekends as the road is closed and used by pedestrians. Children and visitors often wonder into the lane only to find a cyclist hurtling down or up at 20-30 mph. The lane is also used by delivery drivers on mopeds which is even more dangerous.
“I think it would be more sensible to not have the cycle lane on the road at all and focus on creating a more narrow road lane to ensure that pedestrians have a much safer route to their house or to access shops, bars and restaurants.
“We want to see a short timeline once a decision has been made to get these changes implemented so that we don’t see further closures on the street.”
Sophie Trinder said: “The initiative has created a wonderful ambiance along George Street, allowing individuals to shop, dine, and enjoy a drink in a safe environment.
“We have not personally encountered any negative effects from the closure and hope the pedestrianisation of the street continues at the weekends.
“As we are still being refused planning permission by the council to connect our two properties, it is safer for us to walk our clients along the pavement when there is less traffic.”
Sarah Gillow from Gallo Jewellers added: “As a retailer of 32 years on George Street, we have endured ever larger vehicles trying to navigate our beautiful medieval street.
“Our narrow pavements have been ruined and the pollution of standing traffic was often overwhelming. Our building shook because of buses and vans stuck on the street trying to pass each other.
“As a first step towards preserving the heritage of the street and improving the environment in the city centre, we welcome the one-way system and part-time pedestrianisation.
“The only issue has been the introduction of the cycle lane which has narrowed the street and the fact it looks so temporary and makeshift when the street is closed to traffic.
“We would like to see the current scheme cemented by the consultation and urge anyone local with real experience of how things were to fill in the survey and have their say. In our experience, whilst things are far from perfect, they are a real improvement on where things were.
“For the future, we would love to see the timing of pedestrianisation of the street extended so that more permanent features can be used to make the space more appealing and encourage people to spend time in the area.
“Dropped kerbs, seating and a proper street scape plan would enhance the look of the area and encourage visitors and residents alike to spend more time in the city centre, celebrating everything this beautiful city has to offer.”
Cllr Phil Bibby, executive member for highways and transport at HCC said: “We originally introduced the closure of George Street to help provide a safer socially distanced environment for the community and businesses during the pandemic.
“We recognised that some of the changes may have longer term benefits, helping address long standing concerns in relation to congestion, parking and access for larger vehicles.
“We also wanted to create a friendlier and safer environment that residents and businesses valued and through the trials and
engagement exercises have sought to understand those opportunities and people’s views on them.
“We have aimed to strike a balance recognising the multitude of uses the street has by enabling vehicle access Monday to Friday, but also opening up the space during Saturday and Sunday for other uses and for people to enjoy.
“It is important to address the climate emergency and improve air quality in St Albans, as well as supporting our local businesses wherever possible.
“The consultation is an important final stage to see whether the current arrangements should be kept or not. If sufficient support exists, there are opportunities to replace the planters and plastic bollards with more permanent features in keeping with the conservation area to further enhance the street.”
The consultation is open until Monday December 16 at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/consultations.
