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Radlett scheme tipped to make area ‘far, far worse’ gets approved 

 Published on: 26th July 2019   |   By: Jason Allen   |   Category: Uncategorized

A significant number of councillors and other community members have been left disappointed after a controversial Harper Lane scheme was approved by the Hertsmere Highways Panel.

It’s believed that the approved scheme, which will see traffic lights installed for the bridge where Watling Street meets Harper Lane, will cause severe traffic throughout the Radlett area.

The change is in conjuncture with the 206 homes that’ve been built in Harper Lane by Bloor Homes – it was agreed the company would have to create new traffic signals to accommodate the new footpath and cycle path it’s creating along the bridge. The narrow bridge will now be single file.

Approval was given for a six-month trial of the lights by Hertsmere Borough Council’s (HBC) Highways Panel on July 1, despite objections from over a thousand residents and eight county councillors.

One of the objectors, councillor Caroline Clapper, told RadlettNews: “Whilst I am of course extremely disappointed that this will be proceeding at all, the fact that the scheme is to be temporary and not permanent – against the advice of the professionals – is at least something to soften the blow a little. However, I am very concerned that this temporary experiment will potentially cause congestion chaos, so I will be pushing hard for any works to be undertaken only during school holidays and at off-peak times.”

Similar lights were installed by Bloor Homes back in January, but were scrapped after the first day due to the severe traffic it caused in Radlett.    

In a letter the eight objecting councillors wrote to HBC before regarding the decision, they said: 

“As the local members, we have first-hand area knowledge and have strong views on what will and will not work. We all agree that this scheme is definitely not the solution. In fact, it will make the area far, far worse and we cannot, and will not support it.”

A Bloor Homes spokesperson said: “Following a comprehensive report from County Council officers on the Harper Lane traffic light scheme, councillors were able to accept the recommendations. 

“The scheme is being introduced on a temporary basis to assess its effectiveness. Throughout the trial we remain committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcome.”

Picture courtesy of Len Kerswill

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