Speed limits could be reduced across Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) has launched a public consultation on a proposed new speed management strategy. The council wants your views on how speed limits are set on the county’s roads.

The new strategy has been proposed following a review carried out in partnership with Herts Police.

If approved, it would make it easier for 20mph zones to be created in residential areas - where appropriate, and if the idea is supported by the local community.

It would also mean that zonal rural speed limits, usually for 40mph, in areas where speeds are already in line with such a limit could be introduced.

Terry Douris, Cabinet member for highways at HCC, said: “We know people are concerned about speeding traffic and we want to make sure that we can put appropriate limits in place. But first we want to hear people’s views. We’ll propose a final strategy for the county in February, once we’ve had the opportunity to listen to residents’ feedback.”

Councillor Lisa Courts, who represents Hitchin Bearton on North Herts District Council, has been campaigning for 20mph zones in Hitchin.

She said: “I have to say I am disappointed in the document as I feel they have overlooked certain aspects.

“As for some roads being in 20mph zones and some not, it will just push the speeding down other roads. I believe all residential roads, regardless, should be 20mph.

“Speeding regardless of whether it is 31mph or 35mph will cause more damage to a person than someone travelling at 20mph, also the long-term benefits are a lot better. Cyclist and walkers will be safer, thus promoting healthier ways of travel.

“I am not against car travel, but would prefer to have safer residential roads than the ones we have at present. In the short time I have been involved with the Drive Safe campaign down one road in Hitchin, we have caught 47 drivers going over the 30mph speed limit outside a school.”

Chief inspector Richard Hann, from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Road Policing Unit, said: “We have been consulted by Herts County Council during the development of these proposals which could change how speed limits are set in the future. Getting speed limits right is crucial to making roads in the county as safe as possible.”

The consultation will close on November 22. To give your views, visit www.hertsdirect.org/ltp32013