By Cllr David Barnard
As a further update on our quest to have speed controls introduced into our villages and rural communities, Councillor Strong and I attended a Herts. Highways Liaison Meeting, to discuss the current situation, and the way forward on our roads.
There was to be a presentation on Electric charging points, and the need for many more, and in more accessible positions. (Major car manufacturers are committed to phasing out fossil fuel propelled vehicles in favour of electric “clean” vehicles). We will continue to press for the introduction of charging points out of town, in our villages too.
Flooding has been a big problem, and we were assured that the Herts CC Flood Agency is continuing to work with Anglia water and others to mitigate the damage being caused.
Most important was the discussion on the need to introduce effective speed controls in our villages, whether it is by speed cameras, or the introduction of a 20mph limit through our villages.
There seemed to be a lot of “red tape”, and introduced obstacles preventing what we consider to be straightforward, and relatively inexpensive, measures.
We are told that the Police have increased their net numbers of Officers this year by 111, and that a further 166 are to be employed…..so why not bolster up our rural enforcement, and even give greater powers to our PCSOs.
Of course, nothing was resolved at this meeting, but we were able to let the Officers know that they must listen to the residents, support them, and overcome the obstacles.
We all pay for it, and we all deserve it.
