An experimental one-way system begins in Watford next month.

From Monday, October 5, a new road system will be introduced in Vicarage Road between Rose Gardens and Stripling Way, heading north towards the town centre.

The system has been brought in by Hertfordshire County Council to monitor the impact on traffic in surrounding roads, and will run for four months.

The road will be closed on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, with access for residents, while the necessary signs, lines and temporary infrastructure is put in place.

Two-way access will be available to residents in Rose Gardens and Stripling Way via Hagden Lane and Scammell Way respectively during the trial.

During this time the traffic lights on the bridge will not be operational.

The trial will assess the impact of one-way operation on traffic in surrounding roads, the possible installation of a signalised pedestrian and cycle crossing outside Laurance Haines School and the permanent removal of the traffic lights on the bridge which will be taken out of use during the trial.

The scheme has also been developed with the forthcoming Croxley Rail Link station, Watford Vicarage Road, in mind.

Holywell Councillor Nigel Bell said most residents are against the system. He said: "The extra congestion caused in streets in West Watford will be a massive problem.

"I am all in favour of the Rail Link, but do not believe this is necessary.

"We will be opposing this all the way."

Councillor Terry Douris, the county council's highways member, said: “We have listened to local residents’ concerns about the impact of the one-way system on the road network and therefore are carrying out the trial.

“Following representations from Laurance Haines School we are looking at ways to make improvements for children walking to school.

“By conducting the trial we will able to assess the impact on traffic during peak periods and make an informed decision on whether the scheme should be made permanent.”

Letters have been sent out to over 1,300 properties giving advance warning of the scheme with signs in place on the roadside.

A final decision on whether to introduce the scheme permanently will be made in February 2016.