Proposed roadworks in Harpenden to reduce speeding, due to start early next year, have been met with scepticism by residents.

The works, planned for Station Road, near the junctions of Browning Road and Manland Way, have been designed to improve pedestrian facilities and reduce vehicle speeds along the road.

Mr Richard Nye, of Browning Road, said: "I am concerned about the roadworks, as a lot of people in the area are. It is poorly thought out."

The plans include replacing the existing refuge island near the junction of Browning Road, with a humped zebra crossing, and then constructing a refuge island to the east of the junction with Manland Avenue. The current bus stops are to be moved a short distance away and pedestrian guard rails will be erected on the corners of Manland Avenue and Lyndhurst Street.

Mr Nye said: "There are holdups with traffic already, with four zebra crossings, and the plan is to add two more, half a mile further up. It's absolutely crazy and unnecessary." He said he was in favour of slowing the traffic, as cars speed down the road, and visibility is poor coming out of Browning Street.

When asked if she thought the proposed plans were a good thing, Mrs Pearson, of Station Road, said: "It depends. I don't think that it will slow the traffic but something is needed. Perhaps sharper bumps so the traffic has to stop, or a width-restriction."

Her husband, Mr Pearson, said: "Several accidents have happened in the road so something needs to be done to slow the traffic down."

He added: "The down side is that the emergency services use this road. If they need to get to these back streets, it could be difficult for them."

One concern is that many residents are not aware of the proposals. Mr Nye said that only residents of four roads have been consulted. "There are another five or six roads that will be affected and residents of those roads may want to comment."

Mr Tong, of Dalkieth Road, has not heard of the proposed works. He said: "I don't know about the idea of a humped pedestrian crossing, but the refuge has helped my wife, she is disabled."

Mrs Elizabeth Fincham, of West Way, has also not heard of the plans. She said: "I didn't receive any information, but there is a lot of traffic along this road."

November 9, 2001 19:00