A bus operator has been avoiding Watford High Street because its vehicles are getting 'trapped' by faulty bollards.

Arriva says its drivers have been forced to reverse because the automatic bollards that rise above and beneath the road surface have not been functioning properly.

As a result, Arriva said in a tweet to a passenger it will continue to avoid serving the heart of the town centre until it is given the "reassurances it needs to feel safe using the bollards with its vehicles".

Instead, passengers are being picked up and dropped off in Exchange Road.

Watford Observer: Arriva's tweet about the bollards in Watford town centreArriva's tweet about the bollards in Watford town centre

Two sets of bollards were introduced in 2019 to enter and exit High Street designed to stop drivers illegally travelling through the town centre.

But an Arriva spokesperson said the bollards should "ideally" be replaced with a more "reliable" system such as a camera. Watford Borough Council recently installed these types of cameras at the other end of High Street at the junction with King Street.

Watford Observer: Arriva has been put off using these stops in High Street because of the bollards. Credit: Holly CantArriva has been put off using these stops in High Street because of the bollards. Credit: Holly Cant (Image: Holly Cant)

The spokesperson added: "Unfortunately the bollards are not functioning correctly, meaning buses were getting trapped, having to be reversed up the road.

"Once the bollards are fixed and or replaced by another system we will immediately serve the High Street again. Arriva want to serve the High Street as it is one of the main attractors and interchange points for bus users.

"We have approached Watford Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council and the local MP."

Watford Observer: The bollards, pictured in 2019The bollards, pictured in 2019

Hertfordshire County Council, which is responsible for maintaining the bollards, has confirmed one of its bollards did need repairing.

The council said that it was fixed on April 11 and said all three bollards are now working and operational.

It was also confirmed the county council is working with the borough council, which is responsible for operating the bollards, on longer-term plans for the High Street which could potentially involve changes with the bollards.

On other occasions, the bollards have broken down leaving buses waiting.

Watford Observer: Buses queuing in Watford High Street due to broken down bollards Buses queuing in Watford High Street due to broken down bollards

There have also been incidents where drivers - including those who are and aren't prohibited - have collided with the bollards in Clarendon Road after tailing another vehicle towards the High Street.

Watford Observer: The Clarendon Road bollards leading into Watford High Street The Clarendon Road bollards leading into Watford High Street