The High Street improvement works, led by Watford Borough Council in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and Watford BID, has been shortlisted in the London Transport Awards 2019 under the ‘Excellence in Cycling and Walking’ category.
The transformation of the High Street has led to better access for pedestrians and cyclists. Bollards are now in place to prevent vehicles from illegally driving through the town centre. This, coupled with widened pavements, upgraded bus shelters, waste bins and the relocation of the taxi and blue badge bays has all resulted in an improved town centre experience for residents and visitors to the town. Since the works finished, there has been a 62% reduction in vehicles in the town centre, resulting in a safer town with cleaner air.
Dedicated cycle lanes now make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians to navigate through the town. Cyclists can also benefit from 11 new cycle racks that can be found all the way along the High Street where works took place.
Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “I’m so pleased that the High Street works have been recognised in this way. The High Street now feels safer with more space and less traffic coming through. With the new Cineworld cinema and Hollywood Bowl, we are benefiting from the tremendous upgrades to the intu centre and the High Street. The £180million redevelopment of the shopping centre has put Watford in the top 20 shopping and leisure destinations in the UK. It’s clear that without this council making tough decisions, this scheme would never have happened. I’m really pleased that at a time when High Streets across the country are struggling, that our town now has a more vibrant and thriving town centre.”
