An estate agent says the death of a woman in Watford town centre should be a “wake-up call” for the council to improve the safety of pedestrians.
Kerry Goodchild, 52, was hit by a bus in Market Street on February 10. She died at the scene.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, with the findings expected later this year.
Following the news, some Observer readers suggested the town centre could be made safer for pedestrians, and even called for vehicles to be banned from the High Street and surrounding streets altogether.
So we went down to Market Street to speak to businesses and ask what they thought.
Stephen Mummery, works as a lettings manager at Warren Anthony estate agents in Market Street. He has been based there for nearly 15 years.
He said: “In light of this recent horrific incident, the traffic and pedestrian planning of Market Street has been highlighted in emphatic fashion.
“The visibility in this street is poor and there is no safe crossing. I’d perhaps call it the most unsafe street in Watford.
“You have large vehicles likes buses and lorries going in one direction and then you have cyclists travelling the other way. You’ve also got drivers trying to beat the lights. I don’t think cars should be using this street.
“There seems to be so little order in this street. This should be a wake-up call for the council.”
His colleagues agreed with him.
These images in Market Street taken shortly after the collision show the size of some of the vehicles using it as well as a vehicle parked on double yellows
Hertfordshire County Council did not want to respond to concerns while a police investigation is ongoing.
Police continue to appeal for witnesses to the Market Street collision to come forward.
It happened at 6.20pm on the section of road between the High Street and ring road.
The force says the bus driver, a man in his 60s, is helping them with their enquiries.
No passengers on the bus were injured.
Anyone with information which could help police is encouraged to call 101 quoting Op Triton.
Police Sergeant Ian Manley, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire road policing unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this very difficult time. It was a very distressing incident, and I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while we worked at the scene.
“We have launched an investigation and are still appealing for witnesses to come forward. If you were at the scene and have not yet made contact with us, please get in touch as soon as possible.”
Earlier this month, Ms Goodchild’s family paid tribute to a “vivacious and loving” mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and nan.
Kerry Goodchild
Friends and family have left floral tributes and messages close to the scene where Ms Goodchild died.
A fundraising page set up to pay for costs towards Ms Goodchild’s funeral raised a target of £3,000. The funeral took place on Monday.
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