A petition to get rid of an “unnecessary and ridiculous” width restriction in Watford is getting a second wind as it continues to cause problems for drivers.
The width restriction on Woodmere Avenue, which has been there for almost 40 years to prevent lorries and larger vehicles using the road, has been causing regular accidents since its inception.
The restriction has six posts to manoeuvre through, three on either side of the road, and leaves just seven feet for cars to go through; which, while legal, is troubling for some drivers.
An online petition for an urgent review of the restriction was created earlier in the year and has so far been signed by almost 800 Watford residents.
MyWatfordNews founder Nik Allen’s car, pictured above, became one of the many to be damaged on Woodmere Avenue last month.
He said: “There are so many problems caused by this completely unnecessary restriction.
“I signed the petition before my personal bout with the restriction and I hope the rest of the community follows suit – because if you haven’t had a problem yet, I’m almost certain that you will.”
Another driver also had an accident with the restriction last month. “They wrote on the petition: I went through the width restriction and hadn’t realised I was on the curb before the entrance and my car has been written off.
“I’m lucky I wasn’t injured and I’m well aware it was my fault, however the fact this is so common should mean something needs to be done about this.”
Local Conservative activist Carly Bishop, who set up the campaign, said: “When I started this campaign, locals told me it would come to nothing as people had tried and failed to get anything done about it, even though it is clearly an accident blackspot.
“I told them that if we all worked together, we can make a difference and that we will get this changed. The fight continues as the accidents continue, so I am now more convinced than ever that we can get this monstrosity removed and replaced with something altogether more sensible.
“The people of Tudor have given me so much support and encouragement and I am determined not to let them down. Common sense will prevail.”
To see the petition, go to ipetitions.com/petition/woodmere-avenue-width-restriction
0 Comments