Opposition to Watford ring road and flyover proposals

Tentative proposals by Watford Borough Council seek to transform the road system in the town centre – but it looks like it could prove a struggle to get the public on board.

Last week, the Observer reported that plans to change traffic flow on the ring road were being explored again but also that all motor vehicles could be banned from using the flyover that runs over High Street. The council’s aim is to try and reduce car use.

Read more: Watford ring road could become two-way with traffic BAN on flyover

Watford ring road. Image: Watford Borough Council (Image: Watford Borough Council)

When turning the ring road two-way was put forward by Hertfordshire County Council a few years ago, Watford mayor Peter Taylor suggested money could be better spent and said he could not think of any resident who believed it is a “priority”.

The mayor has been tight-lipped on his current views but readers have been less shy.

Roderick Cutler described it as a “stupid idea” while Tricia Bastable said it was “bonkers”, adding “it already takes an age” to get across Watford.

Mark Lowens said: “The most ridiculous idea ever. So all the traffic is going to go down Upton Road is it? Who ever thought this idea up is a lunatic.”

Lynda Bullock fears losing the flyover will “clog up” other streets while Christine Perry said accessing the car parks would become a “nightmare” because of cars crossing lanes.

Read more: Man arrested after reports of fight outside pub

Watford ring road flyover, pictured, could be shut to traffic. Image: Google Street View (Image: Google Street View)

Vera Peers summed it up as the “most hare-brained” scheme to date adding: “Traffic in Watford is already a nightmare, I can’t get my head around that idea at all.”

A few readers disputed the council’s claim that turning the flyover into a green space could give nearby Watford Market a boost.

Mr Cutler said: “It’s the council that caused the problems the market has by moving it out of sight.”

Ms Bastable added the market “will never thrive” where it currently is, while Observer commenter The Rover said the “only way” to improve the market is to relocate it.

This diagram shows how the ring road could run with cars travelling in both directions and no flyover. Image: Watford Borough Council (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Others pleaded for money to be invested in public transport instead such as buses.

In response to the feedback by readers, a council spokesperson explained: “We are asking people to consider these proposals carefully, with a view to the long-term future of the town centre.

"Looking ahead, we need to continue to make the high street safe, accessible and welcoming for residents and visitors. Additionally, to reduce congestion in the long term, we need to provide opportunities for more people to choose sustainable transport.

"These proposals provide some ideas for how this can be achieved, but we are open minded and want to get as many views from others as possible."

The council says it is keen to hear public views on its future plans for the town centre, including the flyover, while a Transforming Travel document published last year explored the opportunity to chage the ring road layout.

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