Temporary lights removed at Harper Lane near Radlett

The lights at the junction of Harper Lane and Watling Street, on the edge of Radlett, came down this morning to the relief of neighbours who have reported being stuck in queues of more than an hour.

There was so much frustration over the scheduled six month work that a petition was launched, gaining more than 660 signatures.

These were the lights causing mayhem in Watling Street

This morning, people said their journey to work and school took “ten minutes rather than fifty”.

After county councillor Caroline Clapper met with the head of network management, she was told all barriers and lights were to be taken down and work stopped.

Queues in Harper Lane last week

But it might not all be over. A more “practical” schedule of work needs to be agreed on, which could see the lights return if no other solutions are found.

Permanent traffic lights are being installed at the junction to allow single file traffic along the narrow bridge in Harper Lane. Due to a 200 home housing development in Harper Lane, Bloor Homes and Hertfordshire County Council came to an agreement over the scheme which will also include a cycle lane.

Watling Street before the lights were removed

A spokeswoman for Bloor Homes added: “We are aware that the necessary traffic management measures which have been in place at the junction of Harper Lane and Watling Street have led to disruption for motorists.

“These necessary measures were taken after investigating all other options in conjunction Hertfordshire County Council and we apologise for the inconvenience caused whilst this essential work took place.

“Following talks with the county council over removing the traffic management measures at the earliest opportunity, we can confirm that the temporary traffic lights will be removed.”

Read more: Petition launched after roadworks cause gridlock near Radlett