Is St Albans city centre too congested?

St Albans City and District Council has outlined possible plans for city centre 'congestion management' to local retailers. Proposed measures to reduce traffic and improve air quality include:

·        Restricting private vehicle access in St Peter’s Street at certain times of the day

·        Improved bus transport & new bus fare payment options including by mobile phone

·        Metro-style bus routes on arterial city routes

·        Mini park and ride sites

·        Walking and cycling schemes including a green ring around the city

·        An Abbey Flyer tram route

·        Car sharing and car clubs

·        Measures to encourage electric vehicles (16 charging points around the District are planned in 2011)

·        Fresh Way To Work – transport initiatives with local employers

There will be a formal public consultation on proposals this summer. Retailers are concerned that these measures will adversely affect deliveries, collections and trade in St Albans.  Read the full SADC news release.
Do we need to reduce traffic into and through St Albans city centre? What do you think?