Experimental pedestrian-friendly measures in Rickmansworth High Street to continue

Rickmansworth’s key shopping street is to remain pedestrian-friendly and restricted to traffic as an on-going trial to support the local economy is extended.

Traffic and parking restrictions were first introduced by Hertfordshire County Council, in cooperation with Three Rivers District Council, in the High Street in 2020 to support social distancing in response to the Covid pandemic. Now the two authorities have agreed to continue the measures for a further 18 months, to be reviewed after the first six.

Cllr Paul Rainbow, the district council’s Lead Member for Transport, said: “We have been hearing the views of local residents and businesses, and we know there really is a mix for and against continuing the trial, but no significant highway access or safety issues were raised that would affect the introduction of Hertfordshire County Council’s proposed experimental order. Some amendments have been made to the proposals based on the feedback we received.”

It is anticipated the trial will further attract shoppers to Rickmansworth town centre – which has already seen the introduction of a monthly street market. Local hospitality businesses can also apply for licences to allow their businesses to operate from the pavement.

Motor vehicles restriction will apply Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm, and Saturday 10am – Monday 6am along High Street. Exemptions will apply in respect of emergency services, markets, maintenance and permit holders.

Starting in June 2020 the initial scheme involved safety barriers along the High Street which reduced on street parking and essentially allowed a temporary widening of the pavements to allow social distancing. In late August 2020 initially temporary barriers, and then formal gates, were installed at either end of the road closure.

New signage will be put in place to implement the restrictions and communicate to road users. Existing gates on the High Street will remain in place and closure times are not changing.

The new orders came into effect on 6 March. For more information on street trading, email licensing.team@threerivers.gov.uk or call 01923 776611 and ask for Licensing.

Take part in Hertfordshire County Council's consultation on the experimental measures.