I was interested to read about celebrating a number of large new developments in the Watford. I totally agree that we should move forward positively in welcoming these buildings. Unfortunately I seriously question whether the priorities for spending and investment are completely right. As a Watford resident for over 50 years I feel the transport infrastructure supporting the many new visitors we may have cannot accommodate such numbers – and the situation will get worse.

I am unfortunate enough to have to travel through the Bushey Arches debacle almost every day, often during rush hours. I can only presume that Watford highway planners don’t have to suffer such a massive waste of time. It can take me 35 minutes to get from Carpenders Park to Aldenham at any time between 7.30am and 9.00am – about four miles. The whole junction needs completely redeveloping. I’m guessing Bushey Arches traffic system being completely redesigned would require co-operation and commitment from both Network Rail and highways planners? I don’t suppose that will ever happen!

The new Thomas Sawyer Way is a lovely new road which makes accessing the hospital a lot easier. Unfortunately I see it as a massive missed opportunity to lighten traffic significantly in the Bushey Arches area. Why is there no access from Wiggenhall Road heading towards Dalton Way? Why doesn’t the road going into the hospital car park extend from the roundabout to Tolpits Lane and/or to Hampermill Lane? It could have been made wider (2 lanes each way) with designated lanes for hospital access.

Another thing that I’ve noticed as an occasional cyclist is the poor ‘off road’ cycle provision. There are odd routes but not nearly enough and extremely poor maintenance. Perhaps we should also be considering Park & Rides also – perhaps from Hunton Bridge (M25) and Garston (M1).

When will we get our priorities right and plan new developments in a cohesive, logical and common-sense way?

Simon Peters

Upper Tail, Carpenders Park