A scheme to introduce traffic lights at a junction will go ahead despite a thousand people objecting.
Lights will be installed in Watling Street where it meets Harper Lane, near Radlett, following a meeting involving members of Hertfordshire County Council's highways panel.
When 206 homes were given the go-ahead in Harper Lane as part of the Harperbury development, it was agreed that Bloor Homes had to create new traffic signals. It is because a new footpath and cycle path is being created along Harper Lane, which will reduce the narrow bridge at the end of the road to single file.
This bridge will be made single file. Credit: Google Street View
But when temporary lights were installed to start work on the scheme at the beginning of this year, it led to long delays both in and out of Radlett and in Harper Lane during rush hour, prompting motorists to start a petition.
Queues in Harper Lane
As a result of the backlash from drivers and residents, the project was put on hold.
But after the petition was considered by councillors, it was agreed that a trialled scheme, which could last up to a year, be approved.
A temporary footpath and cycle lane will be introduced on the bridge to allow the scheme to be assessed before any permanent changes are made.
This enables modifications to the junction, including the potential removal of the signals to be considered, if traffic is significantly impacted.
A wider bridge in Harper Lane, which people claimed as an alternative solution, is considered to be "too expensive", according to the report.
The scheme was given the green light despite the petition and a letter against the project signed by eight local county councillors.
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