Proposed Traffic and Speed Management Measures on Hawkshead Lane, Hawkshead Road, Bluebridge Road and Warrengate Road

We have been asked to investigate concerns about traffic levels, vehicle speeds and the use of Hawkshead Lane by larger vehicles. We are consulting on a range of measures intended to improve road safety, reduce inappropriate through traffic and better reflect the rural character of the area.

The proposals are intended to support safer and more comfortable journeys for everyone who lives, works and travels in the area, while maintaining access for residents, farms and businesses. They also seek to encourage more considerate use of local roads and protect the distinctive character of Hawkshead Lane for future generations.

Your views will help shape the future of these roads.

Take Survey

We are proposing the following changes:

Hawkshead Lane

A prohibition of motor vehicles except for access between Bluebridge Road and Warrengate Road
Changing the 60mph section (between Bluebridge Road and the Royal Veterinary College) to 30mph
Changing the 30mph section (between the Royal Veterinary College and Warrengate Road) to 20mph
Revoking the existing 3 tonne weight limit and replacing it with a prohibition of motor vehicles. This would provide a clearer restriction that can be more effectively enforced and simplify roadside signage

View the proposed extent of the vehicle prohibition (PDF) and the proposed speed limit changes on Hawkshead Lane and Warrengate Road (PDF).

Bluebridge Road & Hawkshead Road

Changing the 60mph section between the Blue Bridge and Boltons Park Farm to 40mph
Changing the 40mph section between Boltons Park Farm and Swanley Bar to 30mph

View the proposed speed limit changes on Bluebridge Road and Hawkshead Road (PDF).

Warrengate Road

Changing the 60mph section between Hawkshead Lane and Swanland Road to 30mph

View the proposed speed limit changes on Hawkshead Lane and Warrengate Road (PDF).

The aim of the vehicle prohibition is to create a legal basis for enforcement to reduce through traffic, congestion caused by inappropriate vehicles using the lane and minimising damage to the carriageway and verges.

Access to properties, farms and businesses would be maintained under the proposed motor vehicle restriction. View the proposed extent of the vehicle prohibition (PDF).

The proposed speed limit changes are intended to improve safety for all road users by reducing vehicle speeds, lowering the likelihood and severity of collisions, and making it easier and more comfortable for people travelling on foot, by cycle and on horseback.

Why are we consulting?

Hawkshead Lane is a narrow rural lane used by residents, farms, businesses, visitors, walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Concerns have been raised about vehicle speeds, increasing traffic levels and the use of the lane by larger vehicles despite existing restrictions.

The proposals aim to ensure that the road network better reflects the character and function of these routes, supporting road safety and helping create a more comfortable environment for all users.

Understanding Traffic Impacts

We recognise that some people may have concerns that reducing through traffic on Hawkshead Lane could result in more traffic using routes such as Bluebridge Road and Station Road through Brookmans Park and Welham Green, and this could be exasperated by traffic from potential future housing developments.

Traffic modelling undertaken as part of the project suggests that any increase on these routes is likely to be relatively modest. We will continue to consider the potential impacts on surrounding roads as part of the consultation process.

Bluebridge Road and Station Road are identified within wider transport strategies for the area. While there is currently funding available to progress the Hawkshead Lane proposals, we continue to explore opportunities for future improvements on adjoining routes should funding become available.

Should this project progress, we will monitor and evaluate the impact of traffic on surrounding roads and this could define how we approach future improvements along Bluebridge Road and Station Road through Brookmans Park, in line with our strategic ambitions.

Have a question about the proposals?

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more information about the proposed changes, access arrangements, enforcement and how to respond to the consultation.