Bushey Arches works that caused 'travel chaos' set to return

Affinity Water has confirmed that it has applied for a four-day permit from April 3 (a Monday), which would allow the company to complete the job near the Chalk Hill and Aldenham Road junction.

Many Watford and Bushey residents were caught up in delays over the weekend and on Monday morning (February 20) after temporary traffic lights were installed.

Traffic approaching Bushey Arches (Image: Sullivan Buses)

However, many were left furious after it emerged Affinity Water had not been given a permit to do the works - despite the lights being in place.

Those impacted included Watford mayor Peter Taylor, buses, and local motorists who were shocked by the “horrendous”, “crazy”, and “complete standstill" traffic.

After being asked to remove the lights, Affinity did so and apologised to residents for “any inconvenience caused”.

It also confirmed the works “did not proceed as planned”.

Traffic approaching Bushey Arches (Image: Sullivan Buses)

Today (February 22), the spokesperson confirmed Affinity has now applied for a permit.

“Again we apologise for any inconvenience caused while these works are carried out,” they added.

According to the Hertfordshire County Council website, multi-way signals are planned for Aldenham Road from April 3 to 6, for Affinity Water to carry out utility repair and maintenance works.

It highlights that delays are likely and the footway will be closed with an alternative route provided.

• No permission was given for lights that caused days of 'traffic mayhem'
• Mound in Meriden Way to stop drivers endangering pedestrians

Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst said: “This is why we have to have a permit system.

“Part of the process has to be that they agree what would be suitable traffic management measures.

“This was not the way the process is supposed to work.”

The Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Highways & Transport in Hertfordshire County Council said he will be closely following the process.

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Traffic approaching Bushey Arches (Image: Sullivan Buses)

“We can’t have the same situation occurring again, there needs to be very careful consideration,” he added.

Potential measures to limit the impact on traffic include restricting the hours lights are in place, having someone on site to control them manually, or not using four-way lights.