Hertfordshire County Council is inviting residents, businesses and stakeholders to have their say on a new draft Speed Management Strategy, setting out how speeds on the county’s roads and streets will be managed in the future.
The consultation is now open, and people are encouraged to share their views on how speeds should be set across different types of roads and environments.
Speed plays an important role in road safety. It affects both the likelihood of a crash happening and how serious it is if one occurs. Even small increases in speed can make a significant difference to whether people are seriously injured or survive unharmed. Managing speeds appropriately is therefore essential to reducing harm.
The proposed strategy takes a more joined-up approach, focusing on setting speeds that are safe and appropriate for the place, rather than relying mainly on how fast traffic is currently travelling. This includes residential streets, town centres and busier roads within communities, as well as rural roads and lanes.
In rural areas, roads can vary significantly in character. Narrow lanes, limited visibility and shared use by different types of road users mean that the national speed limit is not always the most appropriate speed. The strategy recognises the need to reflect these differences and ensure speeds are suitable for the environment, particularly where higher speeds may carry through into villages and more populated areas.
The strategy also puts communities at its heart, recognising that local residents have valuable insight into how roads feel and function day to day. Communities will play an important role in identifying priorities and shaping future changes.
As part of the council’s wider ambitions to create healthier, more sustainable and connected places, the strategy will also help make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle, while reducing noise and environmental impacts.
Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth, said:
“We are absolutely clear in our ambition: no one should be killed or seriously injured on Hertfordshire’s roads. This new strategy is about putting people first and creating safer, calmer places where everyone can travel with confidence.
“We know that speed plays a crucial role in both the likelihood and severity of crashes. By focusing on setting safe and appropriate speeds, rather than simply reflecting how fast traffic is already moving, we can reduce harm and save lives.
“This is not just about road safety, it’s about improving quality of life. Safer speeds help people feel more confident walking, cycling or crossing the road, support healthier communities and make our neighbourhoods more pleasant places to live.
“Importantly, this approach puts communities at the centre. We want residents to be part of shaping how their streets and local roads work, ensuring changes reflect real experiences and make a meaningful difference.”
(Picture: Hertfordshire County Council)
