Improved traffic management controls in place outside Roundwood Park school

For years the area around the school had suffered with heavy traffic congestion at school drop-off and pick-up time.

Councillor Allison Wren, elected in May 2021, had previously worked with Paul de Kort to install bollards in the area. To further improve traffic management, they liaised with the Community and Delivery Team at St Albans district council, leading led to a public consultation going out in early January 2022. Proposed parking changes included double yellow line and school marking extensions, new single yellow line no-waiting sections and loading restrictions.

With help from recently elected fellow Lib Dem councillors Ed Moore and Ayesha Rohale, responses were collated, changes agreed and the updated Traffic Regulation Orders were officially sealed in July.

The project took eight months in total and was completed on 1 September in time for the new academic year. The smooth introduction of the new traffic controls was greatly aided by the local police, school staff and civil enforcement officers, who were on hand across the first days to support the changes.

As a result of these changes the vehicle traffic is more manageable and pedestrians are more able to cross safely and navigate the pavements without inconveniencing nearby residents. Pupils can enter the school quickly, leading to a smooth start for the school day.

Allison Wren said: “This congestion created an unsafe and stressful environment for everyone passing through, from parents and children to local residents. Before I was elected as a Lib Dem councillor, nothing had been done to address this obvious, years-long problem.

“It was clear that action had to be taken, and I’m proud that as your Harpenden North & Rural councillors, we’ve worked to successfully improve this issue. “