Herts County Council's Highways Panel has voted in favour of a new speed management strategy that will make it harder to introduce new 20mph speed limits.

At the moment, to introduce a 20mph limit without humps or similar traffic calming, the existing speeds must be 25mph or below in at least 90% of the roads covered. The new strategy changes this to require existing speeds below 24mph in every single road. It also introduces a policy of removing new 20mph limits if speeds remain too high after they have been installed for a year.

An Extraordinary meeting of Herts County Council held this morning (Tuesday 17th November) agreed to provide support to vulnerable families and children receiving free school meals through the school holidays up to the end of the Summer half-term next year. In so doing, the Council recognised the growing seriousness of child poverty in society.

Nigel Taylor, DBC Councillor for Berkhamsted explains the strategic planning system, as it relates to housing numbers and the Planning Inspectorate:

"The way the UK strategic planning system operates at district-level is complex.

Central Government currently sets targets for where it wants houses built. Then local Councils are, in effect, forced to produce a local plan to deliver the Central Government target.

Apsley - what to make of the lakes?

Yes! Apsley has lakes!

But you'd only know about them if you are in the Apsley Scouts or a keen angler… (we couldn't get closer than these pictures)

The Conservative Councils at Borough and County levels are sadly neglecting the need to get on and make the Durrant Lakes area more accessible for a pleasant walk.