Policy information sourced from the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.

ST11.1: Sustainable Travel Town

New development will be supported in principle where it contributes towards sustainable and active travel behaviour, respecting the Transport User Hierarchy (Figure 11.1) set out in the County Council’s Local Transport Plan and Watford’s ambition to be a sustainable travel town. It should create an urban environment where people choose to walk and cycle, whilst reducing the impact of cars on the transport network, and promoting the use of public transport. Proposals will need to demonstrate how they contribute positively towards the Council’s Climate Emergency declaration and are expected to bring public health, air quality and economic productivity benefits.

Development proposals should align with the principles set out below that aim to achieve better integration of land use planning and transport planning and develop a Sustainable Travel Town with a more active population. They should support the objectives of Hertfordshire County Council’s Local Transport Plan, and supporting strategies, plus contribute to the Growth and Transport Plan packages in the Local Transport Plan and subsequent updates, as well as aligning with Watford’s forthcoming Sustainable Transport Strategy and Local Cycling and Walking Implementation Plan.

To promote active travel the following initiatives should be embedded in development plans:

  • Developing Watford as a Walking and Cycle Infrastructure Improvement Town, supporting the growth of shared mobility offerings that include bike share schemes;
  • Creating neighbourhoods that encourage people to walk or cycle, through the provision or contribution to high quality walking and cycle routes that enhance connectivity and reduce severance; and
  • Measures that reduce traffic speed and flow

Developments will be supported where they improve public transport connectivity through:

  • Contributing to the development of comprehensive priority measures for buses with supporting high quality, accessible bus stops and service improvements where required, to enhance existing services and demand responsive transport throughout the town;
  • Supporting the development of Mass Rapid Transit in Watford;
  • Preserving and improving Watford Junction as a strategic transport hub for both rail and bus users, with excellent access routes, interchanges and other facilities enabling sustainable ‘first and last mile’ travel;
  • Supporting a mobility Hub within the Town Centre that serves as a focal point for multiple modes and links to the High Street Station; and
  • Enhancing pedestrian and cycle facilities at key junctions with the ring road.

To reduce car dependency and the impact of private motor vehicles developments should:

  • Contribute to traffic-demand management measures introduced that promote mode shift away from private cars;
  • Provide provision for car clubs and electric vehicles, as set out in Policy ST11.5 ‘Car Parking, Car Clubs and Electric Vehicles’; and
  • Produce Travel Assessments and Travel Plans where required by, and in line with, Hertfordshire County Council’s relevant guidance.

For more information, please see the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.