A new 20mph zone has been introduced outside a school in Welwyn Garden City, with hopes it will improve road safety.

The zone at Commonswood Primary and Nursery School is the first in the county to be put in place thanks to £7 million of new funding.

Officially opened on Thursday, October 19, by Cllr Phil Bibby and children from the school, there are hopes for improved road safety, calmer streets and more people walking, wheeling and cycling.

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"Our priority is to ensure our children are happy, healthy and safe," said Mrs Seymour, headteacher at Commonswood Primary and Nursery School.

"A 20mph area helps with all of these objectives, so we as a school are very supportive of the scheme."

Four other schemes in Hatfield Garden Village, Salisbury Village, Welham Green and Cuffley have all been open to consultation in recent months, with responses now being considered.

"Children are amongst the biggest beneficiaries of our 20mph programme as it makes walking, wheeling and cycling to school a more pleasant and fun experience for them," said Cllr Phil Bibby, cabinet member for highways and transport at Hertfordshire County Council.

"It's important that we consult locally on each scheme and I’d encourage as many residents as possible to respond. We only want to proceed with those schemes that have the necessary support within the local community."