A consultation has been opened on whether part of the city should remain free of traffic for most of the weekend.

George Street in St Albans has been closed to all vehicles except bicycles from Saturday 11:00 a.m. to Monday 7:00 a.m. since November 2023.

It has been open to traffic at other times, with a one-way system in place.

Hertfordshire County Council said it wanted to consider whether George Street should be restored to two-way traffic seven days a week.

The authority said existing arrangements aimed to make the street more pedestrian-friendly, help businesses welcome customers more safely, open outdoor spaces for events and improve air quality .

In a previous consultation, 51% of respondents said they were in favor of some form of traffic-free space on George Street, while a separate street survey found two-thirds of people expressed a preference for vehicle traffic restrictions.

Councilor Phil Bibby, responsible for highways and transport at the county council, said the authority had recognized that some of the changes initially introduced during the pandemic “could have longer-term benefits, helping to address the concerns of long time linked to traffic jams and parking. and access for larger vehicles.

He said: “It is important to address the climate emergency and improve air quality in St Albans, as well as supporting our local businesses wherever possible. »

Plastic planters and bollards could be replaced with more permanent items if there were enough supports to keep the street free of traffic, he added.

The consultation is open until December 16 council website.