The City Forum, which performs the function of parish council in the city centre area in St Albans, has agreed that residential roads should be made into 20 mph zones – and that even some parts of main roads (eg the High Street) should go the same way.

The Forum did not agree with the gradualist approach of Herts County Council – involving piloting and gradual roll out. Members were attracted by the example of Liberal Democrat controlled Portsmouth which introduced 20 mph limits in all its residential streets in one single go.

Chris (who chairs the City Forum) comments: ‘Residents clearly want this and will have noted the news from London where these lower limits have led to significant safety improvements. I will continue to press for an early introduction, especially in streets like Bernard Street, Dalton Street, Grange Street and Church Street as well as Alexandra, Inkerman and Bedford Roads. These are examples of streets where the current layout – and in some cases the problem of rat-running – cry out for a lower limit. But there are plenty more examples in central St Albans.’