A ‘gorilla’ took to the streets of Watford to save cars from traffic “havoc”.

Affinity Water roadworks in Sydney Road and Hagden Lane over the weekend meant temporary traffic lights had to be set up. However, motorists ended up aggravated as heading that way from Whippendell Road became “havoc”.

What surprised many as they freed themselves from the traffic was that a man had donned a gorilla costume and stepped up to direct them around the lane closures.

The Hadgen Lane temporary lights were apparently poorly synchronized with other lights nearby causing “long queues” to back up past the Whippendell Road junction during the multi-week works.

Although the great-ape traffic guard has remained anonymous, the Watford Observer has been told that the motive was to cheer up drivers facing traffic misery and that many showed their enjoyment by cheering and honking horns.

Passers-by on foot also enjoyed the show, with several filming or taking selfies with the gorilla who has not shared his identity out of fear that, with all the roadworks around Watford, “everyone would want a gorilla”.

“You don’t get a gorilla in Watford every day,” added a local who shared their video with the Watford Observer.

The traffic restrictions were removed on Sunday (January 28). Affinity Water has been contacted for comment.

Watford Observer: A dead rat within the Sydney Road works only increased the need for a mood lift.A dead rat within the Sydney Road works only increased the need for a mood lift. (Image: Contribution)