A local council is set for a collision course with local residents over plans for new 20mph speed limit zones despite opposition from residents.

New restrictions could be introduced across Stevenage, Baldock and Bishop Stortford in the near future, according to Hertfordshire County Council.

Officials have confirmed that they will soon be consulting on the introduction of new 20mph limits as part of a widespread overhaul across the county.

Hertfordshire has already introduced 20mph restrictions in parts of Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and St Albans.

However, the major updates across the region have previously sparked backlash from angry residents who branded the changes as “mad schemes”.

A petition demanding the council stop the introduction of more 20mph zones secured over 1,500 signatures when it ran last spring.

Locals who ran the poll said: “​​We the undersigned petition the County Council to oppose HCC’s continued wasting of money on introducing new 20 mph zones at a time when the County Council Director of Finance has warned all county councillors that The Council has an ‘extremely serious financial position’.

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“‘ consultation ‘ council speak for ‘ this is what we are doing whether you like it or not, and we will ignore any objections or suggestions ‘” 15

“Councils should stick providing services for their residents, not telling them how to …” 12

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“The Administration are squandering £2.3m for the roll-out of more 20mph zones in Hertfordshire, according to budget proposals for 2024/25. Already this year (2023/24) the council has spent £3m on 20mph zones – with plans to waste a further £1.7m next year (2025/26) too. All in all, the Administration at County Hall are prepared to waste £7 million in total on mad schemes that few – if any – Hertfordshire residents actually want. This wasteful spending must be stopped immediately.”

However, officials seem keen to press ahead with a host of consultations for measures in areas such as Elstree, Cuffley and Wheathampstead only just closing. Hertfordshire Council also admits they may install some traffic calming measures as part of the updates.

However, this will depend on the level of speed reduction needed and the existing road environment.

The Council said: “We have started gathering data on the current traffic speeds and volumes in target areas. This will inform what measures should be introduced.

“Design work has started on some of the highest priority projects.”

Full list of future Hertfordshire 20mph zones

1. Borehamwood (Studio Way area and Borehamwood South)
2. Chells area, Stevenage
3. Grovehill area, Hemel Hempstead
4. Baldock
5. West of Cheshunt area
6. South Ware
7. Bishop’s Stortford West