Transport Working Group – Update

Travelling around some areas in Bengeo can be frustrating, particularly recently.  Certain times of day and specific areas have issues that members of the Transport Working Group are keen to address.

Our work is based on the objectives previously agreed as priorities by the working group following the survey and first exhibition.  We hope to encourage developments that will improve air quality locally and improve the health and wellbeing of local people.

A414 dual carriageway between Hertford and Welwyn Garden City

We will be looking at ideas from  A414 Corridor Strategy currently out for consultation and any Sustainable Travel Town Plans that might be adopted.

We are developing policies around the future impact of new developments in the ward on traffic.  We are keen to encourage walking, cycling and green travel plans.  We plan to consider parking issues both for residents and related to use of Hertford North Station.

Hertford North Station

We are preparing draft policies and project plans for consultation at the 2nd exhibition in March.

Travel & Transport Update

The Travel & Transport Working Group is focused on making Bengeo a place for people where they can enjoy walking and cycling for their everyday journeys. This is in keeping with Hertfordshire County Council’s draft Local Transport Plan.

Our aim is to identify issues that currently affect these types of journey so that BNAP can set out policies to ensure they are addressed. We will also be looking at more strategic issues that will improve connectivity, both within Bengeo and to other local areas, for example the town centre.

Whilst walking and cycling are a focus, it is also recognized that we all need to drive for some of our journeys. Traffic issues also form part of our research, the obvious issues such as through-traffic and on street parking are possibly the most significant. We are again identifying issues and reviewing how our local traffic network might look in the future. An example of this is the Old Cross junction, it seems to be a barrier to both pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles so we are considering how it could be improved.

We are also identifying measures that will ensure reliable and good quality public transport links are available to Bengeo. This would apply to all types of traveler, commuting into London, maintaining train access to Stevenage or bus services to the town centre and other local towns.

Key aims are to:

  • Maintain and enhance sustainable travel links within, to and from Bengeo.
  • Reinstate the transport hierarchy.
  • Give pedestrians priority back over cars.

Possible projects include:

  1. Providing a pedestrian route on both sides of Beane Road to improve access to the station.
  2. Managing parking in the vicinity of pedestrian crossings (i.e. at dropped kerbs) at junctions.
  3. Investigate and improve congestion on Hartham Lane, when vehicles exit the Hartham Leisure facilities and Sainsburys. This would include creating a safe crossing arrangement for pedestrians.