A councillor believes it is too long to wait until 2023 to completely resolve problems at a controversial width restriction in Watford.

In December, Hertfordshire County Council confirmed it was looking into the possibility of installing enforcement cameras in Woodmere Avenue.

The cameras would replace a seven foot wide width restriction which has been a source of controversy for years and went viral in 2021 after countless crashes were caught on CCTV.

Residents and some local politicians have called for the width restriction to be taken away, blaming its design, with numerous drivers clipping - or in some cases smashing - their vehicle into the set of bollards.

Watford Observer: Woodmere Avenue width restriction Woodmere Avenue width restriction

However, the council warned enforcement cameras might not be put in until next year because legal powers still need to be granted by Government and funding and consultation is required before any new measures are initially subject to a trial.

Watford Observer: The restriction coming from the A41 is hit more than the other side with a resident claiming a curve in the kerb leading up to the bollards is catching out driversThe restriction coming from the A41 is hit more than the other side with a resident claiming a curve in the kerb leading up to the bollards is catching out drivers

Meriden & Tudor county councillor Stephen Cavinder says the possibility of introducing automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, which would catch prohibited vehicles using Woodmere Avenue, is "good news" but says waiting 18 months is "far too long".

He said: "Ever since the county council made the restriction tougher in 2011 it has been a problem and we have raised it regularly, seeking changes.

"Accidents of varying degrees, some with cars written off and hospitalisation of drivers, continue to occur. Residents’ gardens and the road continues to be littered with car parts with the potential for further damage.

"The way forward appears to be by removing the width restriction and controlling large vehicle use via ANPR, but an 18 month wait is far too long."

Liberal Democrat Cllr Cavinder says he has been liaising with council officers to find short-term solutions that could reduce the chance of collisions in the meantime.

He said: "At last county officers have suggested some potential temporary fixes that may reduce collisions, but these need to be reviewed by the council's safety team.

"Along with the borough councillors for Tudor, as well as residents, I will continue to press for changes as quickly as possible to help keep people safe as they drive along Woodmere Avenue."

Watford Observer: Vehicles can be flung into the air if the wheel catches a bollard, as shown here on a doorbell camera in Woodmere AvenueVehicles can be flung into the air if the wheel catches a bollard, as shown here on a doorbell camera in Woodmere Avenue

A spokesperson for the county council said: "We continue to liaise with Cllr Cavinder to discuss a number of short-term measures that may be suitable for this width restriction. Many of these options could result in more traffic and larger vehicles using the road and so may not be appropriate.

"As a preferred more long-term plan, we are going to be applying for new legal powers through the Department for Transport that could allow us to use cameras to enforce the weight restriction on Woodmere Avenue."

Watford Observer: The troublesome width restriction in Woodmere Avenue The troublesome width restriction in Woodmere Avenue

They added: "We are always looking at measures to reduce congestion, improve road safety and encourage active travel across the county and want to reassure residents that we do understand their concerns and regularly monitor where in the county people are being injured on our roads. We use that information to prioritise any changes to road layouts."