We're supporting the evolution of high streets as thriving places to work, visit and live, breathing new life into our town centres.
Our projects aim to create places that are welcoming to all, where people feel safe, relaxed and can breathe clean air. We're discovering more people are spending more time in these town centres.
Evolution of the High Street Recovery project
In response to the challenges of Covid-19 pandemic and to assist vulnerable members of society in accessing key High Street services, Hertfordshire County Council, with the support of District and Borough councils across Hertfordshire, started a series of changes in busy High Street areas. These modifications created additional space for walking and cycling, aiding social distancing in line with the Government’s emerging guidance at the time.
As the pandemic unfolded, this expanded space supported outdoor hospitality and trading, allowing traders to accommodate more customers, supporting the local economy. The County Council collaborated with Districts and Boroughs through formalised parking, loading and traffic management arrangements. replacing temporary orange barriers with planters and street furniture.
A series of engagement exercises were undertaken for each site to help find out local community support for retaining some or all of the changes as part of a trial. This recognised the potential environmental, social and economic benefits of these changes in supporting the long-term success and evolution of High Streets as thriving places to work, visit and live. This was developed under the “High Street Recovery” branding.
To conclude the trials, we conducted consultation with local communities and stakeholders. The feedback informed locally formed Project Boards made up of the relevant local County Councillors, District representatives and, in some instances, BIDs and trade group representatives. The Board recommendations have formed the basis of the approach for each site.
A review of the project was presented to the Highways and Transport Cabinet Panel in March 2024.
Summary of the project status as of March 2024 (PDF 1.32MB)
High street changes
Hertford
The changes at Fore Street and Parliament Square have been made permanent.
Motor vehicles are prohibited in Parliament Square between the Wash and the junction with Bell Lane. A restricted parking zone encompasses Fore Street, Market Place and Market Street.
Further localised enhancements are planned on Fore Street to widen the footway, create an informal crossing point and implement flexible loading and parking provision.
Supporting documents
Hitchin
Following the consultation on Hitchin High Street and Market Place in 2021, the final phase of works was completed recently in 2024.
High Street remains closed by a locked gate at the Brand Street junction from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
Hitchin Business Improvement District (BID) can issue entry and parking permits to allow access to the High Street for exceptional circumstances (e.g. wedding access to St Mary’s Church, shop fitting and exceptional loads). Sufficient notice must be given to the BID to allow for arrangements to be made. Please phone 01462 453335 or contact online Hitchin BID.
All deliveries should be made either side of the road closure times or directed to the designated loading bays on the opposite side of Market Place (accessed via Bucklersbury).
In association with North Herts Council, Hitchin BID and with support from local Councillors, we are investigating design options for the longer term of the town centre.
Please email any queries to HighStreetRecovery@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Supporting documents governing the changes
Rickmansworth
Rickmansworth High Street is operating a hybrid arrangement where traffic is able to use the High Street during the week. The road is closed to motor vehicles every Saturday 10am until Monday 6am, with a revised Restricted Parking Zone.
When the High Street is closed, access is maintained for emergency services and permitted vehicles (by arrangement with Three Rivers District Council).
Supporting documents
Royston
Following the previous consultation on Royston town centre, the changes which have been made to parking bays, signs and road lining remain in place, and the physical works are due to take place in summer 2024.
Please email any queries to HighStreetRecovery@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Supporting documents governing the changes
St Albans
George Street is one way from Verulam Road to Romeland Hill. It is closed to traffic from 11am Saturday through to 7am Monday. We have made permanent a Traffic Regulation Order based on this arrangement with revised loading. We still plan to consult with the local community to help decide how best to organise the road space in George Street to benefit people.
Market Place is permanently closed to traffic seven days a week, excepting 7am to 11am for deliveries and market arrangements on Wednesday and Saturday. We are exploring ideas to improve the environment here, making it more accessible and welcoming to all.
High Street has been reopened to traffic.
Supporting documents
BrOpens a new windowBriefBb
Opening in a new window
For each location, a project board has been set up which includes councillors from both the county council and relevant District or Borough Council. The board's role is to review the results of the surveys and hear from other key stakeholders before taking joint decisions on the future of each project.
If you would like to know who the members are for any of the project boards, for copies of meeting agendas and notes, or if you require any of the documents in a different format and have any further questions, email HighStreetRecovery@hertfordshire.gov.uk.