Herts County Council has launched a public consultation on the proposed changes in Markyate, with the aim of improving road safety and encouraging active travel in residential and school areas. The council believes that lower speed limits can create “safer, calmer streets,” particularly for children walking to school, and can help reduce the severity of collisions. A diagram of the 20mph zones planned for Markyate (Image: Herts County Council)New zones also aim to encourage more walking and cycling, support community wellbeing, and protect pets and wildlife by giving drivers more time to react. Early data from similar schemes in Wales shows promising results, with a reported 26 per cent reduction in casualties in the first year of implementation. The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Sunday, September 13, 2026.