Tring’s Annual Eco-Fair, held on Saturday 25th May, 2014, in the Victoria Hall, Akeman Street, was a great success once again. With more stalls – and more interesting stalls – there was plenty to see and do. Electric transport was the new feature this year, with electric bicycles, an electric car and an electrically powered van on display next door in the yard beside the Akeman Inn. Pride of place was a Honda Leaf with which its satisfied owner had just completed its first year.
With running costs of as little as 2p per mile, free access to the London Congestion Charge Zone and greatly reduced maintenance and service costs, electric vehicles are certainly something to think about.
But Nigel Qinton – the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for South West Hertfordshire – was also struck by the Play Out scheme. Originally pioneered in Bristol, this scheme allows suitably organised and trained groups of parents to apply for occasional road closures for the purpose of allowing children to play out safely without any danger from cars. It was trialled in Tring by Hertfordshire County Council who were impressed by the organisation of the parents in Longfield Road, Tring. After a successful trial of 18 months, the scheme has now been extended and other towns are hoping to be able to replicate this popular scheme for themselves.
The County Councillor for Tring, Nick Hollinghurst, supported parents throughout and liaised with county highway engineers throughout the trial period. The credit must go however to the parents and other residents in Longfield and Beaconsfield Roads whose intitiative, enthusism, hard work and good management made it all possible.
The picture shows Nigel and Nick at the Play Out stall in the Eco-Fair.