Newly painted yellow lines have been compared to “melted burger cheese” after botched work was reportedly done in the dark.
The lines have become a laughing stock after being painted at junctions along Kingswood Road, North Watford, supposedly between 10pm and 11pm on Friday, September 8.
There is also confusion over who did it, with both the borough and county councils washing their hands of any involvement.
Update: council admits contractor did yellow lines botch job
It is understood that Watford Borough Council’s lining contractor Murrill had been ordered to re-line the Kingswood Road and Sheepcot Lane junction, but that has not yet been completed due to a backlog.
Pictures posted to social media have been mercilessly mocked by residents, with one branding them “McRoadworks” alongside a picture depicting wonky slices of cheese.
Others wrote “ah, they got their toddler to do this?” and “did a blind person do them?”, while some made tongue-in-cheek jibes that it had been done after being on the booze.
Another added: “I just walked passed them doing it, they can’t even see what they are doing.”
A Kingswood Road resident told the Watford Observer she arrived home late that evening to find the “mess”, adding: “There is no excuse for such poor workmanship and I just hope they manage to practice their technique before they come back to renew the rest of the estate.”
Some contributors tried to find a rational explanation, suggesting the lines may have melted in the heat. But others quashed that by stating they were freshly done when photographed.
It was also pointed out that there are “good parts and bad parts”, suggesting temperatures had nothing to do with it.
It is understood that refreshing already present lines would normally be the borough council’s responsibility, while installing new markings would be the county council’s.
Murrill has visited the site and confirmed work has been done, but it is thought that includes wider area markings which only HCC can do.
Watford mayor Peter Taylor said the council did not paint the yellow lines, adding: "An inspection has shown that multiple works have taken place, but mostly to the white line traffic markings.
"Watford Borough Council does not have the jurisdiction to complete these works and is currently liaising with Hertfordshire County Council to find a solution.”
A HCC spokesperson said its highways team has not refreshed any road markings in Kingswood Road. It has been approached again for reconfirmation. Updates to follow.
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