The council is continuing a programme of investment across the town to improve streets, pavements and public spaces, making them safer, greener and more welcoming for everyone...
The works span key locations including St Albans Road, Verulam Passage, Station Road and upcoming plans for Vicarage Road, alongside wider sustainability initiatives such as new electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
On St Albans Road, recent works have focused on the east carriageway between Penn Road and Brixton Road, following earlier improvements to the west side last year. These improvements are enhancing one of Watford’s busiest routes for both pedestrians and road users.
High-quality paving, clearer road markings, new cycle parking and replaced safety barriers are improving safety and accessibility in the area. New planting and the removal of unnecessary signage are also helping to create a cleaner, more attractive street scene.
At Verulam Passage and Station Road, surface water drainage improvements is being delivered to better manage heavy rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding, helping to future-proof these areas against more extreme weather.
Have your say on Vicarage Road improvements
Looking ahead, Vicarage Road is planned as the next location for neighbourhood parade improvements, building on successful schemes such as last year’s works on Whippendell Road. Engagement events are planned for spring, giving residents and businesses the opportunity to share feedback and help shape the final designs.
Residents, businesses and visitors are invited to share their views via an online survey, open until Tuesday 3 March, at citisense.typeform.com/VicarageRoad. In addition, members of the project team will be on site along Vicarage Road Parade on Tuesday 24 February 2026, speaking with people ahead of the Watford v Ipswich football match. Please come and find us for a chat and share your views in person between 1pm to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm.
These improvements complement wider local initiatives across Watford, including the installation of new lamppost electric vehicle chargers by the council. These chargers make it easier for residents without off-street parking to switch to electric vehicles, help reduce air pollution, and support the town’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable transport, all while using existing street infrastructure and avoiding pavement clutter.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Across Watford we are investing in our streets and public spaces, so they work better for everyone. These improvements are about more than new paving, they are about creating safer, greener neighbourhoods, supporting cleaner transport and making our town a better place to live, work and visit.”
Cllr Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, said: “This programme shows how we are taking a joined-up approach to improving Watford’s streets. From better drainage and safer pavements to EV charging that supports greener choices, we are delivering practical improvements that benefit residents, businesses and the environment now and in the future.”
