Safer, more accessible journeys for people walking, wheeling and cycling are now available on Thomas Sawyer Way in Watford following a package of improvements.

A recent launch event marked the completion of the works. Hertfordshire County Council brought together councillors, local stakeholders and community groups at Oxhey Activity Park to celebrate the opening of a new toucan crossing, delivered as part of the Watford Green Loop.

The signalised crossing now enables people to cross Thomas Sawyer Way in a single movement and addresses previous safety concerns at the junction with Dalton Way. The scheme also includes wider shared-use paths and newly resurfaced road sections.

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Before-and-after images displayed at the event drew interest from visitors, who shared positive feedback about how much safer and easier the junction is to use.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Executive Member for Transport, and Cllr Peter Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth, joined re-elected Mayor of Watford, Cllr Peter Taylor, for a walk and cycle across the new crossing from Oxhey Activity Park.

Attendees then continued to Watford High Street for the Future of Transport in Hertfordshire event at the Harlequin, where a sample Hertfordshire Essex Rapid Transit (HERT) vehicle was on display.

The showcase underlined the council's longer-term ambitions for reliable, accessible and sustainable public transport, complementing schemes like Thomas Sawyer Way that make it easier for people to choose walking, wheeling and cycling for everyday trips. These initiatives support a Corporate Plan priority to provide sustainable, accessible alternatives to the car, help cut congestion and build safer, better-connected communities.