Labour Party question roundabout changes

The constituency Labout Party have added their voice to concerns over recent changes to the Bluecoats roundabout, highlighting an increase in congestion and air pollution.

Residents and local councillors have raised concerns after the traffic lights on the roundabout were switched to full time operation after data showed that more accidents occurred at the junction when the lights were not in operation.

The Bluecoats roundabout is frequently the site of congestion at peak times, especially when the M25 London Orbital road is closed and the A414 is used as an alternative route. The traffic lights were initially introduced on a part time basis to prevent traffic on the A414 dominating the junction, leading to congestion in other parts of the local road network. However the lights themselves are now seen as a significant cause of congestion, especially given the traffic volumes at the nearby junction of Mill Road and Ware Road.

Josh Dean, Labour’s candidate in Hertford, St Andrews, said: "Introducing a full-time traffic light system right at one of Hertford’s busiest roundabouts has caused chaos in our town, right as our town centre begins to open up after months of lockdown, Hertford has been brought to gridlock. Growing traffic jams will inevitably lead to more air pollution in our community, particularly near our town centre and where young people walk to school.

"While I fully appreciate the need to prevent accidents, which is incredibly important, you do have to question the County Council's decision making process on this,” Josh added.

“What  consideration was given to the impact on congestion? What consideration was given to the  impact on air quality, particularly near the town centre and where our young people walk to  school? Local people are rightly upset and confused and deserve answers to these questions."

The Labour Party are raising a number of questions in regards to the new traffic light system at the Bluecoats roundabout, including:

• How were local residents, motorists and businesses consulted before the introduction of  the new system by the County Council, Herts Highways or their County Councillor?
• Did the County Council or Herts Highways model data on the impact this change would  have on congestion and air pollution before introducing the new system, and will they  release that data? 
• In the meantime, what will the County Council and Herts Highways do to begin to  alleviate the pressures on local residents, motorists and businesses caused by increase  congestion in the town?
   

Labour are fielding two candidates in the forthcoming county council elections. The full list of candidates is shown below.

Hertford All Saints

Ben Crystall (Green)
Jan Goodeve (Con)
Rob Pinkham (Lab)
Andrew Porrer (LibDem)
Andrew Stevenson (Ind)

Hertford St.Andrew

Josh Dean (Lab)
Bob Deering (Con)
Geoff Madge (LibDem)