Dozens of parking spaces have been cordoned off from today as measures to help social distancing in Borehamwood are introduced.

Hertfordshire County Council announced yesterday that Borehamwood would be one of four town centres to be altered this bank holiday weekend in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The council said to expect some changes - and anyone heading into town will notice it is looking very different. 

The entire stretch of Shenley Road, between Theobald Street and Eldon Avenue, is littered with bright yellow signs warning passers-by of social distancing measures. 
Borehamwood Times:

Borehamwood Times:
They say things like 'stay two metres apart'.

The speed limit has also been reduced to 10mph.

To help give pedestrians more space to work with and meet social distancing rules, the county council has closed off a number of parking bays and service roads in the town centre.

It allows pedestrians to walk where there would usually be moving cars.

This includes the bays that stretch from Creams down towards KFC.

Borehamwood Times:

Borehamwood Times:
A service road with bays by the Hart & Spool has also been shut off.

At the other end of Shenley Road, barriers have blocked off the spaces outside the restaurants like Eli's Pizza and Kiyoto Sushi.

Some parking bays do remain open.

Borehamwood Times:

Borehamwood Times:
Traffic wardens have been out in the town centre ensuring the new rules are being obeyed.

For example, they are making sure loading bays and disabled bays are being used correctly - but for now they appear to be showing discretion and allowing people to get used to the new rules.

Although parking is restricted, disabled bays up and down Shenley Road have not been closed off.

Borehamwood Times:

The council has said that measures will be kept under review and the council may need to "make changes where appropriate".

Many shops and ameneties in Borehamwood town centre are currently closed so for anyone heading into town, it is unlikely there will any available parking.

Borehamwood Times:

Borehamwood Times:
All council-owned car parks are currently free to park and existing parking restrictions have been relaxed.

Hertsmere Borough Council leader, Cllr Morris Bright said: "Hertsmere has been among the hardest hit areas in the country during this pandemic (164 deaths as of May 8) and my heart goes out to every single person who has lost a loved one at this terrible time.

"We really want to see our town centres re-open, but in order to do so we need to make significant changes to ensure residents, businesses and visitors are safe and to minimise the risk of infection.

"These measures are being introduced rapidly, however, this is an incredibly fast-moving situation. We will continue to support Hertfordshire County Council to ensure social distancing measures are put in place appropriately."

Councillor Phil Bibby, cabinet member for highways and environment at the county council, added: "This is a rapidly moving project, and we are now in a position to start rolling out some of the measures ahead of the Government’s timeline.

"We’re playing our part during this time, and hope residents will continue to demonstrate kindness to each other by keeping the two metres distancing.

"I understand and recognise that those living in town centres may experience some disruption, as the traffic management changes. But I hope they will appreciate feeling that their streets are made safer for pedestrians and residents alike as a result of the changes."