Watford High Street Cycle Lane Danger solution adopted by Herts County Council (HCC)
SPOKES have supported Hertfordshire County Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst in his efforts to get an already costed and approved plan, for reconstructing the dangerous junction of the Watford High Street Cycle Lane with Water Lane, actioned as a high priority. We know of at least 3 cyclists being hit by cars there and numerous near misses. We have observed that 90% of drivers turning from Water Lane to go up the High Street towards King Street do not stop at the stop line or look right before emerging.
We set up a petition on the HCC Website and publicised the urgent need to reduce the risk of a cyclist, wheelchair user or pedestrian being killed. We are pleased to report that HCC have agreed to include the necessary work in this financial year (2023/4) and Stephen is continuing pressure to ensure that happens.
The plan below shows the layout of the new junction. Key changes are moving the Cycle Lane out further into the High Street, to improve the Cyclists’ sight line, and reducing Water Lane to one lane of traffic with a more distinct turn so it is less easy for drivers to treat the right turn more like a bend than a road junction. It may not be a complete solution but will definitely be an improvement. It may be necessary to continue our so far unsuccessful efforts to get Police enforcement of the STOP Sign.
