APRA has been working hard to overturn the Council’s decision to proceed with the experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO) for Romeland. In brief, this would change the tranquil character of Romeland Gardens irrevocably. One side would be gated and reserved for the exclusive use of School buses. Another, although only 14 ft wide at its narrowest, would be opened to two-way traffic, including School coaches and double-deck buses. 40 to 50 School coach and bus movements would enter and leave the area via George St each day with widespread chaos inevitable.

Over the last four months we have been lobbying councillors and officials at all levels to see sense: that the ETRO is costly and impractical; that the process and decision to proceed was flawed; that it does not solve the School bus problem but just concentrates its impact in the heart of the conservation area. Local residents have written to the Herts Advertiser in protest. A lively correspondence there has resulted in support for our cause from a much wider area.

The result: it seems that progress with the ETRO has stalled, at least until the New Year. In the meantime a Council scrutiny committee will become involved and invite input from interested parties – at last a chance to develop a long-term solution.

A small but important success.