SAFETY first. That's the watchword in a village that is tackling residents' concerns about traffic. Safety measures have been introduced in Codicote in recent months. These include a new pelican crossing on the High Street, vehicle-activated 30mph speed

SAFETY first. That's the watchword in a village that is tackling residents' concerns about traffic.

Safety measures have been introduced in Codicote in recent months.

These include a new pelican crossing on the High Street, vehicle-activated 30mph speed signs, a school safety zone and gateway features at the entrance to the village.

The measures, brought in by Hertfordshire Highways, have been based on issues identified in Codicote's parish plan.

This represents a new way of working in rural areas, which Hertfordshire Highways has developed in partnership with the Community Development Agency for Hertfordshire.

The village primary school, parish council and volunteers have given time to help with consultation work and leaflet delivery, to help spread the message around the community.

Councillor Stuart Pile said: "We're delighted with the outcome of this new way of working, which has already encouraged more children to walk to school as well as making it easier for people to get to and from local shops."

Cllr Pile added the council was now looking to adopt this way of working formally within its rural strategy, to be used in other villages across the county.