A petition has been launched calling for a “dangerous” and “ridiculous” width restriction to be to be redesigned.

A Conservative candidate has reignited the fight for change in Woodmere Avenue, by the A41, after reports of “numerous” vehicles hitting the posts.

Hundreds of people have already signed the petition with dozens leaving critical comments of the design, which has been in place for nearly 40 years.

Some have described the restriction as “dangerous” because it is too “narrow” while another person said it is a “ridiculous installation that has caused many cars to be damaged”.

Others have complained that they don’t see the point in the restriction calling it "useless" while others have labelled the amount of posts as “unnecessary”.

Watford Observer:

The width restriction was introduced way back in 1980 to prevent lorries and larger vehicles cutting through Woodmere Avenue to industrial estates off Balmoral Road and Bushey Mill Lane. Over the years, many have campaigned, but no long-term solution appears to have ever been found.

Watford Observer:

A young woman had to be freed by firefighters after crashing back in 2012

The restriction is 7-foot wide, which is legal, but many people seem to be concerned about the length of the restriction as you travel through. In total there are six posts to manoeuvre through.

The section between the restrictions is for buses only, but many vehicles are regularly seen ignoring the no entry sign.

Carly Bishop, who is aiming to win a seat in the Tudor ward, says she has started up the petition on the back of complaints from drivers.

She hosted a meeting, which was well attended by residents, at the Tudor Arms on February 12.

Watford Observer:

Carly Bishop

Ms Bishop said: “Driving through the Woodmere Avenue width restrictions is like trying to thread a needle. The restrictions cause more harm than good. More must be done to alleviate residents’ concerns.”

She has suggested widening the width restriction, leaving just one set of bollards, and installing a camera to enforce the bus only lane.

County councillor for the area, Cllr Kareen Hastrick, also attended the meeting, and says she has been in discussion with Hertfordshire County Council about changing the design at Woodmere Avenue ever since she was elected around seven years ago.

Reflectors are set to be installed to make the posts more visible.

“I agree the design needs to be looked at. We need more light and guidance. With my locality budget, we’ve agreed to fund a white line which will be painted along the entrance of a driveway so people should be able to align more easily. Reflectors on the posts are also to be replaced. Cameras are unlikely.

“I support the idea behind the petition and the area needs to be made more user friendly. I’ve been chasing highways and will continue to.”

The Conservatives hope enough people will sign the petition to generate a review of the design.

The petition can be viewed here.