A petition has been launched to tackle motorists causing “chaos” when they wrongly use a Watford bus lane.

The stretch of road, which is only meant for public transport but is sometimes illegally used by other vehicles, is accessed off Leggatts Way/North Western Avenue and leads to the A41-A405 roundabout.

Councillor Asif Khan is behind the petition after people who live in the area first raised their concerns in February 2020.

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He said: “We set the petition up to put pressure on the police and council to ensure that the bus lane is in force.

“It has taken far too long for action to be taken.

“Lots of residents have complained and this is a way for residents to show their support.

“They say it is dangerous with vehicles coming in and out. There have been near misses it’s frustrating for residents.

“If the rule is not enforced then there is chaos.”

Watford Observer: Cllr Khan has been campaigning to encourage people to sign the petition. Picture: Asif KhanCllr Khan has been campaigning to encourage people to sign the petition. Picture: Asif Khan

Cllr Khan and Seamus Williams from the Watford Labour party have been knocking on doors to muster support.

The petition, which calls for number plate recognition cameras, was launched last month and currently has 19 backers. It will close on September 16.

A county council spokesperson said it will be considered if it receives enough signatures from people who live or work in Hertfordshire.  

The petition comes after Paul Groves, who lives on Western Avenue, said he feared cars illegally using the slip road would cause and accident and potentially kill a child.

In protest, he stood in the bus lane wearing a high visibility suit stopping cars from using it until police allegedly warned he could face arrest if he continued.

Previously he said: “I allow the buses, minibuses, and taxis through.

“Any personal vehicles that I see I stop and ask them to return. I explain to them that it’s a bus lane.

“I’ve been verbally abused, sworn at, struck by a car as it sped past me – it’s ridiculous.”

The petition can be signed by clicking on https://democracy.hertfordshire.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?Id=1120

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