Families were "forced to take their lives into their own hands" after temporary traffic lights were stolen in South Oxhey.

The lights were stolen from outside a parade of shops in Prestwick Road on Tuesday night- increasing the danger for people crossing the road.

Two 10-year-old schoolgirls from Greenfields Primary School were taken to Watford General Hospital after a collision outside the shops last year.

Dr Hussain, from Prestwick Road Surgery, ran out to help the girls and campaigners stepped up the bid to get the lights installed in the aftermath of the accident.

A grandmother-of-three, who lives in Prestwick Road, described the theft as "so dangerous".

Julie Vernall, 70, said: "It was so dangerous for everyone concerned, particularly the elderly and the children who want to cross the road.

"A lot of people use the crossing on school days to cross with their children to go to Greenfields Primary School.

"You would not believe the speeds that people do down the hill- they are so fast- and there is nothing to slow them down until they get to the pub, where there is a speed camera.

"People would have had to take their lives in their own hands to take their children to school or to get to the shops."

Hertfordshire County Council ordered new lights to be installed and they were in place within 24 hours.

Traffic lights can cost up to £2,000 on online auction site, Ebay.

Andrew Dawson, spokesman for Hertfordshire County Council said: "The temporary lights were stolen and a replacement set is on its way today [Wednesday] and will remain in place until the scheme is complete.

"It is anticipated that the new signals will be installed and operational by Wednesday, April 29."

Labour’s Stephen Cox, who was one of the politicians campaigning for the traffic lights, said: "I am absolutely appalled by this mindless theft. The lights were there to help people cross the road, not for people to help themselves.

"I am pleased a new set has been rustled up so quickly, but in the meantime, children and elderly people have had to take their lives in their hands- precisely the opposite of why the new crossing was being installed in the first place. "I am disappointed that the permanent lights on the crossing are still not working."

Hannah Hendin, who works at Prestwick Chemist said the crossing has been a lot safer since the lights were installed.

She said: "It is definitely more positive in terms of safety.

"We see lots of people using it rather than crossing further up the road.

"Sometimes, because of where the doctor’s surgery’s parking is, people would not always be able to see the crossing, but with the lights, drivers have to stop.