Safety fears for cyclists have seen a Watford road reduced to one lane and reworked.

Vehicles emerging from Water Lane onto High Street often did not realise a cycle lane ran downhill against the one-way High Street traffic, and so did not look uphill.

Three “serious accidents” within 12 months prompted cycling group Spokes to launch a campaign for the improvements in March last year and the changes were completed on Friday night (April 19).Watford Observer: The redesigned Water Lane/High Street Junction.The redesigned Water Lane/High Street Junction. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)

It should improve sightlines and make it more obvious that vehicles need to stop, campaigners say.

The junction has been reduced to one lane and brought forward, the pavement has been widened, and 'stop' signs have been installed to slow down traffic.

Watford Observer: The redesigned Water Lane/High Street Junction.The redesigned Water Lane/High Street Junction. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)

The plan received public support after consultation and then achieved funding through a share of the £4.6million Active Travel England fund for Hertfordshire County Council’s walking and cycling projects. Phased work began on March 18.

Watford Observer: The redesigned Water Lane/High Street Junction.The redesigned Water Lane/High Street Junction. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)

Spokes chair Peter Jackson said he hopes the redesign will make the junction safer but still wants to observe traffic there himself, now that it is complete, to make sure drivers are stopping at the signs.

He added that, if many vehicles continue to ignore them, police enforcement of the signs may be needed.

Watford Observer: The redesigned Water Lane/High Street Junction.The redesigned Water Lane/High Street Junction. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)Watford Observer: The redesigned Water Lane/High Street Junction.The redesigned Water Lane/High Street Junction. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)