A set of “sham” 20mph road signs have been criticised by residents who say they are continually ignored by drivers and nothing is done about it.

The speed signs at the entrance to Croxley View from Tolpits Lane have been in place for a number of years, but residents say they are not enforced.

Mike Toll, 76, of Croxley View, said the road, which is home to Westfield Academy, is a rat run for school traffic and commuters and he was delighted when the signs were installed.

He said: “They’ve been up three or four years now. But they’re a complete sham, they just put them up in the hope people would slow down – but they don’t.

“People do not go at 20mph despite the limit and the signs are not enforced. Nothing has changed at all. It’s still a rat run.”

Mr Toll said drivers exceeding 20mph are a danger to schoolchildren and elderly residents who cross Croxley View every day.

He said: “There are several schools around here, maybe 1,500 schoolchildren are coming in and out of the area.

“Schoolchildren are running in and out between cars – it’s dangerous. I go cold when I see them.

“And for old age pensioners who are crossing the road to get to the shops in Tolpits Lane. I find it a struggle.

“We were delighted when they put the signs in, but we want them enforced.”

Mr Toll also said it was particularly important the speed limit is enforced now with the increased traffic in West Watford during the one-way trial in Vicarage Road.

He said: “There’s horrendous traffic both ways, especially since the new one-way in Vicarage Road – the kids coming out of school, the children and the parents trying to cross the road. Children are not the most patient, they’re gambling and running in front of the traffic.”

Watford Chief Inspector Dave Wheatley said: “The speed limit is there for a reason and must be adhered to in order to keep Watford’s roads safe. It is important that drivers remember that a speed limit is limit, not a target and drivers should be fully aware of the potential consequences of driving at speed in built up areas.

“The issue in Tolpits Lane and Croxley View was raised at a recent residents’ meeting which I attended with the local PCSO Dave Gunn. I want to reassure people that we will continue to pay attention to the area and deal with any offences accordingly.”

In a statement, Hertfordshire County Council said: “The safety of road users and pedestrians is of paramount importance to Hertfordshire County Council and we would always encourage residents to voice any concerns which they might have about their local roads.

“If these concerns relate to speeding we suggest that they initially talk to the police about enforcement but we would also recommend that they talk to their local county councillor.”