The possibility of creating new 20mph zones across Watford will be explored after road safety funding from Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner was secured.

Watford Borough Council and campaign group 20’s Plenty for Watford obtained the grant from David Lloyd’s road safety fund so they can explore the most cost-effective options for new 20mph zones in the town.

The study aims to identify and evaluate options for the best way to deliver lower speed limit areas in Watford, in line with Hertfordshire County Council guidance.

It will then be up to the local county councillors - who hold most of the budget for such schemes - and the county highways authority to decide whether the recommendations should be implemented.

Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill said: “We want to create a safer environment for all road-users, be they pedestrians, cyclists, or indeed drivers. We believe this study will help us do that.

“Our streets are already safe but we want to make them less car-dominated, and 20mph speed zones could well help us achieve that.

“People in Watford have told me they want to reduce the risk of accidents on our streets. The national evidence suggests 20mph zones have this effect – but we need to find out whether they will work locally, and that’s what this is all about.”

Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd added: “My road safety fund provides money for local communities to deal with problems in their area, and is funded by the surplus generated from motorists who have committed driving offences and been ordered to pay court costs following prosecution.

“I welcome this initiative from the council and 20’s Plenty for Watford and look forward to monitoring its progress.”

Kevin Ambrose, from 20’s Plenty for Watford, said: “The Police and Crime Commissioner received many excellent bids for grants for road safety projects so we were delighted that David Lloyd backed our proposal. 

"We hope this will both improve road safety in Watford and save Herts County Council unnecessary costs.”

National evidence shows that 20 mph speed limits make neighbourhoods feel much safer - particularly for the elderly and for children - improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, and reduce the severity of collisions.

The study, which should be completed by early 2018, will be used to provide recommendations for future schemes.

Larger boroughs and cities such as Portsmouth and Tower Hamlets have introduced 20mph zones in all residential roads for a cheaper rate than the cost of small area schemes elsewhere.