Concerns have been raised that new charges linked to Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) could have a major impact on community events in Hitchin.

Hertfordshire County Council has confirmed it is reviewing its approach to charging Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) for TTROs – the legal orders required to close roads for events – across the county.

However, following pressure from local representatives, the authority has agreed to waive fees for community-focused events until at least 1 October 2026, offering short-term relief for organisers.

 "This could destroy events in the town centre"

Danny Pearson, Hitchin Town Centre Manager at Visit Hitchin, said the proposed charges came as a shock and could have had serious consequences.

He said: "When the decision was made to NOT charge us for Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) I could hear sighs of relief from across all the BIDs in Hertfordshire.

This potential charge really did come as a shock, and I know my team are very pleased to hear we don't have to make drastic cuts to our 2026 calendar."

Pearson added that the BID had not been consulted on the potential changes.

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"If BIDs were consulted, then Herts County Council would have seen that it would have been a disastrous idea that would have severely damaged our wonderful town centres."

He warned that fees of around £2,000 per road closure would make many events unviable.

"There is absolutely no way we would be able to afford to pay for TTROs. This could destroy any chance of having events on in the town centre."

Events potentially affected include the Hitchin Food Festival, Pride Day, Eco Day and the Volunteer Fair.

"It would be unthinkable if these were to disappear."

Pearson said organisers are now hoping the current exemption will continue.

"We like to think a few steps ahead when planning for our amazing town centre so hopefully this exemption will be extended indefinitely for BIDs.

Our door is always open, and we are always available to discuss how we can make this possible."

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"Significant impact on events"

Ian Albert said he raised concerns after learning about the proposed charges.

"I was very surprised when I heard that Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) like ours in Hitchin were suddenly going to be charged £2,000 by the County Council for every event that included a road closure."

He said the move would have reduced the number of events in the town.

"This would have significantly impacted the numbers of events that could be run in Hitchin."

Cllr Albert said he challenged the decision and welcomed the council's change of direction.

"It is very welcome that the Liberal Democrat administration has now U-turned on this. They have agreed to suspend the charge at least until October 2026."

However, he warned that uncertainty remains.

"This already means uncertainty about Autumn and Christmas events later this year."

He added that charging BIDs would be counterproductive.

"The extra income to County is a false economy as it's more than outweighed by thriving town centres, greater footfall and increased share of business rates with fewer empty shops."

Council reviewing approach

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said:

"We recognise the value of local community events to residents and businesses across our county, and organisers are not currently charged for road closure applications.

We are currently reviewing our approach as part of wider measures to balance our budget and continue delivering vital services for residents and any changes will be carefully considered and communicated before October."

They confirmed that, for now:

"Application fees for Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders for community-focused events will continue to be waived for applications submitted before 1 October 2026."

What happens next?

While the temporary reprieve means Hitchin's 2026 events calendar can go ahead as planned, organisers say longer-term clarity is needed beyond October.

Without it, there are fears that future town centre events – a key driver of footfall and community life – could still be at risk.