A public consultation has been launched on plans to increase parking restrictions along parts of Benslow Lane in Hitchin.

"The scheme is a safety priority," Hertfordshire County Council said, and involves the extension of double yellow lines.

The purpose of the proposal is "to remove inappropriate parking and improve the flow of vehicles along Benslow Lane, east of the access road into Pinehill Hospital," the county council explained.

To respond to the public consultation, which launched last week and runs until January 30, you can complete a short survey at hertfordshire.gov.uk/Benslow.

Alternatively, you can write to the Highway Locality Team at Hertfordshire County Council, Pegs Lane, Hertford, SG13 8DF. Please clearly write 'Benslow Lane, Hitchin' at the top of your letter, then outline whether you support the proposal or not, and provide any relevant comment.

"This public engagement exercise is the first part of a two-stage process," Hertfordshire County Council explained. "The comments received from residents will help finalise our proposals prior to formal consultation. This may also help us decide whether we pursue the scheme any further."

The second public consultation stage is expected to take place in the spring, when an advertisement will be placed in the local newspaper, and a site notice and plan erected on lamp columns.