Work on road safety improvements outside Hertswood School is causing traffic congestion and putting motorists at risk, it was claimed this week.

Borough Councillor Martin Heywood accused the county council of failing to properly plan the introduction of road safety measures in Cowley Hill, Borehamwood.

Hertfordshire County Council is currently undertaking the first phase of a series of projects to control traffic outside Hertswood's lower and upper school sites.

The county this week claimed it was doing its best to minimise disruption and had liaised with police to ensure the work did not create any hazards for motorists.

Mr Heywood, who represents Cowley Hill ward, said: 'In the morning and in the afternoon there are long queues of traffic up Potters Lane trying to get into Cowley Hill.

'The county is taking the cheapskate option and using people with boards to direct traffic, instead of traffic lights ,, there is going to be a major accident.'

The first phase of the traffic-calming plan outside Hawksmoor School, in Cowley Hill, and Holmshill School, in Shenley Road, is due to be completed in early September.

The plan involves introducing three toucan crossings and one zebra crossing, a mini-roundabout in Potters Lane and foot and cycle ways between the two schools.

Parking restrictions will be introduced in Shenley Road, guard rails will be installed and the speed limit in Cowley Hill, north of Hawksmoor School, will be reduced from 40mph to 30mph.

Mr Heywood claimed that some roadworks were not being lit-up at night to warn motorists of their presence, and he said there had already been at least one near-miss.

A county spokeswoman said: 'Delays are inevitable with a new road scheme and we are doing our best to minimise disruption. We are working with the local police traffic management unit, who are satisfied that the controls are adequate.'

Meanwhile, Mr Heywood also complained that the county had up-rooted six trees on borough council-owned land in Cowley Hill without seeking permission.