Highways chiefs have earmarked £2.3m for the roll-out of more 20mph zones in Hertfordshire, according to budget proposals for 2024/25.

The creation of 20mph areas "can improve road safety, create calmer streets and encourage more walking and cycling", according to Hertfordshire County Council.

The roll-out of the zones  – where they are "viable, affordable and in line with the speed management strategy" – is among the council’s key highways priorities.

Already this year (2023/24) the council has invested £3m in 20mph zones – with plans to inject a further £1.7m next year (2025/26) too.

By the end of 2025/6, it’s estimated that there could be more than 50 of the 20mph zones across the county.

Executive member for highways and transport Cllr Phil Bibby stresses the importance of making roads safer for all users, claiming that the 20mph zones can give walkers and cyclists a secure feeling close to traffic.

However, he also stresses to the need for schemes to be locally accepted  – and points to schemes that are not progressed because there had not been local buy-in.

Overall, next year (2024/25) the council has set out plans to spend almost £80m of revenue in 24/25 on highways and transport – with an additional £106m earmarked for ‘capital’ projects.

The bulk of the budget is allocated to maintaining and improving the county’s 3200 miles of highways.

Other priorities highlighted within the budget document include a drainage programme to reduce incidents of flooding, as well as an expansion of the active travel network.

Meanwhile it also highlights the delivery of the ‘zero emission bus regional area’ project in Hatfield and work with the bus industry through the Intalink Enhanced Bus Partnership to increase bus use.