URBAN TRANSPORT PLAN - Hertfordshire County Council

6.1.8 As shown above, there were mixed responses to the options for Byde Street within
the overall study area, with a slight overall majority in favour of Option 2. Results for Hertford
only and the wider Bengeo area were consistent with those for the overall study area.
However, for Lower Bengeo residents (those living closest to Byde Street) there was a slight
majority in favour of closing Byde Street.
6.1.9 A number of comments were received in connection with the Bengeo proposals.
These are summarised below with an appropriate response.
Consultation Comment
Scheme Suggestions
Implement a 20 mph zone
Response
A 20mph zone could assist in reducing vehicle speeds – although speeds
recorded in Lower Bengeo are already low, particularly in peak periods. It is
unlikely that such a scheme would significantly reduce the flow of traffic
through this area. Physical features may not be compatible with the
conservation area. Suggested in the 2006 study and rejected as it was
unpopular with residents and stakeholders. See table 1.1
Speed calming measures in
Byde Street
Congestion charge or
permit style scheme to
restrict access to Byde
Street or Bengeo as a
whole
Enforcement by camera of
existing restrictions to
improve compliance
Improve late night and
weekend bus services to
Bengeo
Improve the traffic flow at
Old Cross to reduce the
need to use Benego routes
Increase in enforcement of
existing Access and
Parking Restrictions
Increase in hours of
operation of existing
restrictions
One Way Operation in
Bengeo
Traffic speeds in the area are already low. The impact of traffic calming on
traffic volumes wouldn't be significant enough in isolation to solve the
underlying problem. Chicanes and traffic priority were considered as part of
the 2006 study and were rejected due to lack of support during
consultation. There were concerns over loss of parking and space
constraints in the area. See table 1.1.
Extensive research would be required to implement this option with special
dispensation from the Department for Transport required. This would be
extremely costly and isn't feasible for a scheme of this size. Although,
subsequent to the public consultation another technological solution has
been investigated. See section 6.3.
This option is being considered further please see section 6.3 for more
details.
This would be covered by the area wide bus service review which forms
scheme PTM26 of the UTP and would require the support and agreement
of the Bus Operators.
The traffic signals at Old Cross facilitate pedestrian a crossing point on this
very busy road, To remove the pedestrian crossing would create major
severance issues for pedestrians especially vulnerable road users such as
elderly and disabled people with limited mobility. During the access and
parking restrictions trial which took place in 2006, the signals were altered
slightly. This gave as much ‘green time’ to vehicles travelling through Old
Cross from Port Hill as possible.
Enforcement of parking restrictions is the responsibility of East Herts
Council whilst the access restrictions are enforced by the Police. The
County Council will work with these authorities to provide as much as
enforcement as possible given the resources available.
Through traffic issues are more prevalent in peak hours than during the
day. This coupled with limited enforcement resources would preclude an
increase of hours.
One way operation was considered and discounted in the 2006 study (see
table 1.1) due to lack of support during the consultation. There were also
concerns that speeds would increase and the limitations this would place
on cyclists.
22 Hertford and Ware UTP Stage 2 – Appendix D Bengeo 11500189-PT2