Driver HITS new Woodmere Avenue width restriction

The Woodmere Avenue restriction had been altered in a bid to stop the collisions that have plagued it for over a decade.

Six “evil” smaller posts on each side were replaced by four taller yellow bollards, mounted behind the kerb.

But a Vauxhall Insignia was captured hitting the front left post this afternoon.

Read more: Bollards at Woodmere Avenue width restriction replaced

The redesigned width restriction in Woodmere Avenue, completed at the end of August. Image: Stephen Danzig (Image: Stephen Danzig)

In today’s incident, the driver can be seen approaching the restriction at an angle, seemingly from the middle of the road, and moving further to the left as they approach the bollards.

The Vauxhall approaching the width restriction. It appears to be travelling towards it at an unusual angle. Image: Tim Vigor/Ring

The post itself is obscured by bushes so it is difficult to see exactly why or how the crash occurred. However, it looks like the driver mounts the kerb just before impact.

Unlike in previous collisions when the old posts were in place and directly in line with the kerb, the damage to this vehicle does not appear to be severe and the driver is able to move off.

Tim Vigor, whose doorbell camera has highlighted the severity of some of the collisions, said on Facebook: “So within 15 minutes of being on the radio saying that the new wider restriction will hopefully stop the accidents, the first one hits it.”

Read more: Woodmere Avenue width restriction changes 'a waste of money'

The new yellow bollards after work at the width restriction. Image: Stephen Danzig (Image: Stephen Danzig)

Hertfordshire County Council had hoped changing the design of the restriction, following pressure from residents and politicians, would end the crashes.

A spokesperson said before this collision: “We believe the recent work to upgrade the kerbs, set the bollards back six inches from the kerb, and remove one of the three sets of bollards will help address local residents’ concerns and improve the situation for drivers.”

The width restriction before changes were made (Image: UGC)

Previous crash videos show the first left-hand post for drivers coming from the A41, was often hit. Today’s collision is similar, indicating a dropped kerb may still be posing problems for some motorists.

The redesign is a short-term measure until ANPR cameras are installed instead – which will not be until 2023 at the earliest.

Read more: Woodmere Avenue width restriction goes viral

Stills show vehicles tipped over after striking a post at the previous width restriction. Image: Tim Vigor/Ring

Meanwhile, the council has warned drivers are behaving “dangerously” by continuing to illegally pass through a bus lane at the width restriction.

In just a matter of minutes, several motorists were captured ignoring no-entry signs.

A car driver illegally approaching the bus lane. Image: Stephen Danzig

The lane is only for use by bus drivers with all other vehicles are able to fit through the restriction expected to navigate the bollards.

Image: Stephen Danzig

Responding to a series of images of car and van drivers using the bus lane, a spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: “We’re obviously disappointed to see vehicles illegally using the bus lane. This is both illegal, and potentially dangerous as other road users will not be expecting this.”

Image: Stephen Danzig

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