05 Apr 2025
New parking charges in Victoria Street have already had a devastating impact on traders – so County Hall’s planned improvements for the road must avoid causing further harm.
That is the feedback from local business owners following an HCC report on how to create a more sustainable, safe and vibrant environment along the road.
The results of an initial consultation into proposals for ‘reimagining Victoria Street’ have now been published, revealing a mix of ideas for the route the station and the city centre.
The survey received 836 responses from 707 individuals, in addition to seven email responses, with 71 per cent agreeing there is a need for change on the street to make it easier and safer to walk, cycle, or take the bus.
But businesses have questioned the focus of part of HCC’s report, which looked at location specific suggestions, with 35 per cent of people apparently wanting to see wider pavements, cleaner air, better bus services and high quality signage.
They claim to have already seen a drop in trade because of a new parking pay structure imposed in Victoria Street and nearby Lattimore Road, and don’t want any new measures to make the situation worse.
Jean Dennis from Gallery 105 said any changes must be the right changes: “We do not want extra benches, we have enough problems with the drinkers here with their lager cans every day.
“We need to have cameras on the junction by The Horn, cars are forever jumping the lights coming from the station making it dangerous and difficult for anyone waiting to turn right from Victoria Street to Alma Road. I took this up with Daisy Cooper about three years ago but nothing has been done to improve the safety.
“Yes we need more signage for visitors getting off the train. I often become the tourist information stop as they walk along Victoria Street towards town and haven’t a clue where the Cathedral is.”
Lisa Friel from Home Cinema Co added: “It feels like a bit of a push to almost pedestrianise the road which I strongly believe wouldn’t be right. The pavements along here are wide already I don’t for a moment believe 35 per cent of people have pushed or are in agreement for wider pavements. The other 65 per cent must feel the same as me that the pavements are wide enough, not sure why the 35 per cent is being focused on. I don’t see why cycling along Victoria Street would be any different to any other road in St Albans?
“From what I gathered from local users of the road we all wanted to feel included in St Albans as we feel separate and as the main road connecting the high street to the station there is a huge disconnect.
“It could definitely feel nicer and more welcoming and also so we are included in the support other residents and businesses get on other roads in St Albans.
“Cleaner air? Again in comparison to which other road or roads in St Albans? Which roads have proven ‘cleaner air’?”
Some of the comments received from members of the public related to the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, and included issues crossing the junction at Alma Road and Beaconsfield Road, narrow waiting areas at traffic lights, and some called for pedestrianisation either full-time or at weekends.
Numerous commentators noted issues with the aesthetics of the street, including bins and rubbish blocking the pavement, the visual impact of the station footbridge, and a lack of greenery and wayfinding near the station giving a poor first impression of the city.
Some comments suggested fully segregated and separated cycling facilities, while others highlighted dangerous driving behaviour.
Many respondents felt Victoria Street was an important route for vehicles and had concerned about displaced traffic to other roads if efforts were made to discourage cars.
Some commenters had concerns that “valuable” road space will be removed to facilitate walking, cycling and public transport and that this would increase traffic congestion.
Other comments related to perceived poor road surface over the bridge, with many potholes causing concern for people driving or cycling, and the maintenance and appearance of nearby buildings, some of which were perceived to be ‘run down’ or in need of refurbishment.
Some suggested funds should be focused on maintaining roads in St Albans rather on “vanity projects”, with more unusual suggestions for public transport including a tram system linking the station to the city centre.
HCC and SADC will use the feedback collected and the survey results to come up with a set of guiding principles, which they say will take into consideration the needs and priorities of the local community and find solutions that will achieve the right outcomes. There will also be future opportunities for the community to continue to be involved in the design process.
Phil Bibby, HCC executive member for highways and transport, pledged: “Any proposed changes that come as a result of this engagement should drive positive outcomes for commuters, local business owners, school children walking to their lessons and visitors to the city centre, which is why it’s so important to gather local knowledge from current users of the road. We’re delighted that so many people have made positive contributions to our consultation and we’re looking forward to keeping residents updated with the design phase of this project.”
Cllr Raj Visram, vice-chair of SADC’s planning policy and climate committee added: “This is an important project which will has the potential to greatly enhance one of the city’s most important and best known roads.
“It is clear from this survey that an overwhelming number of residents agree with us that major changes are required. There seems to be, for example, a significant demand for better protection for cyclists and walking improvements.
“We will continue to respond to the needs of our residents and local businesses as we look to provide more detailed plans with Hertfordshire County Council.”
