Social distancing measures to be scrapped in Radlett

Hertfordshire County Council says its public health team has advised some of the current outdoor measures on high streets are no longer required.

Last year, parking areas were cordoned off with barriers, cones, planters, and other equipment to allow more space for pedestrians.

One place that will see its measures dropped is Watling Street in Radlett, where a number of parking spaces have been shut off for months.

Watling Street, Radlett

Local councillor Caroline Clapper has been in talks with the county council to see whether it would be possible for social distancing measures to be taken away, because of the impact it was having on shops.

She said: "I have once again met with the county council to confirm, in the strongest possible terms, that we do not wish to maintain the social distancing measures on the high street (Radlett) any longer than is absolutely necessary, and that they are to be removed as soon as possible.

"From the start of these measures, I have continuously explained to the county that with a lower-footfall high street like Radlett, these measures are having a hugely negative impact for residents, motorists, disabled users and particularly our shopkeepers."

Cllr Clapper says she is "delighted" that the measures will be removed in the week commencing May 24.

Measures are to be removed in Radlett as well as in Hatfield Road in St Albans, Bishop's Stortford town centre, Ware, and Knebworth.

However, measures will remain in place in Borehamwood (at a 'reduced' level), as well as in Watford, St Albans city centre, Harpenden, Rickmansworth, Welwyn Garden City, Hertford, Hitchin, and Station Road in Bishop's Stortford.

Some of the closed roads in Borehamwood town centre for social distancing

The county council says there has been a "good level of support" for measures in the above areas so restrictions will stay in place for now; however shoppers and businesses can continue to give feedback.

Over the next four weeks, the county council will be inviting residents, business-owners and district and borough councillors to give their views, starting from May 24, as part of the ongoing engagement to support the recovery of high streets.

Based on this feedback, further changes may be made over the coming weeks or, for some areas, the measures could remain in place for a further 18 months.

The council says it has been in a position to reduce some measures due to a reduction in Covid cases and increasing levels of vaccinations.

However, public health officials have warned the virus is still circulating and residents should continue to follow advice on hands, face, space and fresh air.

Mark Kemp, director of environment and infrastructure, said: "Our priority has been to keep Hertfordshire and our residents safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. We implemented measures to help social distancing and have supported our local businesses to open in line with government guidance."