Despite causing “traffic mayhem”, works in Bushey did not have permission and did not even go ahead.
Many Watford and Bushey residents were caught up in delays over the weekend and this morning (February 20) after temporary traffic lights were put in place by Affinity Water near the Chalk Hill and Aldenham Road junction.
Those impacted included Watford mayor Peter Taylor, buses, and local motorists who were shocked by the “horrendous”, “crazy”, and “complete standstill" traffic.
Sullivan Buses reported numerous delays over the past few days due to the lights and Uno in Hertfordshire tweeted that temporary traffic lights delayed its service by an hour.
Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Highways & Transport in Hertfordshire County Council, Stephen Giles-Medhurst, said: “They did not have permission to put the lights in and there was no work at all.
Routes 306 & 833. Delays at Bushey Arches due to temp roadworks. Traffic already building up. pic.twitter.com/4nthwJ0Vgp
— Sullivan Buses (@Sullivanbuses) February 20, 2023
“I have been on at them since first thing this morning, the problem is it is difficult to get in contact with these contractors.
“The permit process should mean the county council can query what traffic management are needed and what problems it might cause.”
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He added that there were also other nearby works which were given permission, undertaken by Hertfordshire County Council and UK Power Networks.
“It was mayhem over the weekend and this morning the whole road became carnage,” the county councillor added.
“We need to get to the bottom of this.”
Watford’s mayor said: “Many people have contacted me about the roadworks which have been causing traffic problems at Bushey Arches in recent days and I have been caught up with them myself.”
⚠️⚠️602 DELAYS⚠️⚠️
— Uno bus Hertfordshire (@unoherts) February 17, 2023
Severe delays are occurring due to temporary traffic lights in Watford. The delays are up to 60 minutes and curtailments are highly likely. pic.twitter.com/pE4SpN84Pz
He added that he had been in contact with Cllr Giles-Medhurst and understands the regular traffic lights will be restored today (February 20).
Hertfordshire County Council has confirmed Affinity Water was not given a permit to undertake the works.
An Affinity Water spokesperson said: “We apologise to the residents of Bushey for any inconvenience caused by road traffic works which were in place over this weekend at Chalk Hill/Aldenham Road.
“The work did not proceed as planned and we will be removing the lights accordingly.”
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