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This article will be in the next Ricky News, written by RDRA Committee members Christina Evans, Anne Littlejohn, Andrea Clark & Debbie Wheeler.
The RDRA (Rickmansworth & District Residents’ Association) organised the Batchworth Bridge Crossing Safety Forum on 29th January, in partnership with BCC (Batchworth Community Council) to discuss the hazards of Batchworth Bridge Crossing. Fortunately to date, there has not been a fatality (unless you count the two dead swans). Over 60 residents attended the Forum.
The major concerns highlighted at the Forum:
Batchworth Bridge Crossing is frequently used by people of all ages & abilities, night & day.
There has been numerous near misses and several accidents.
Poorly lit crossing.
Drivers can’t see pedestrians at night.
Crossing is on the brow of a hill and drivers accelerate towards the crossing.
Faded crossing markings (cannot be seen from roundabout).
Inadequate and obscured 30mph signage.
Crossing is on a dual carriage way – one lane stops, the other lane doesn’t stop.
Suggestions from the Forum were:
Improve or add lighting:
The white part of the Belisha Beacon poles should be LED lit.
Add spotlights on the pole to illuminate pedestrians.
Add speed cameras leading to crossing.
Smiley Activated Message (SAM).
Larger and more frequent 30mph signage.
Painting 30mph roundels on roads leading to crossing.
Reduce speed from 40mph to 30mph on Riverside Drive (single carriageway).
Recent temporary traffic lights worked.
Residents were in favour of permanent traffic lights on the crossing.
What can we do to avert a fatality?
Contact Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) for action to be taken. Request reply. Use the HCC webform to inform them:
The RDRA took part in the Remembrance parade from Our Lady’s church to St Mary’s church at 2pm on Sunday and laid a wreath on behalf of all members of the RDRA. There was a short service outside St Mary’s then refreshments at the Royal British Legion.
Bob, Ash & Mike arrive at St Mary’s churchAsh, Bob & Mike with the wreathsAsh in the paradeAsh lays a wreath
Following conversations with residents at the last Sunday Market, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for planning developments in your local area. To do this simply go to the Three Rivers website and search planning or click link below:
Patients are our Passion – Improving Patient Care and Experience in West Herts Hospitals
St Albans Patient Group and the Herts and West Essex ICB have organised this event on Wednesday 15 May, 6pm. It will be presented by Amanda Budd, Lead Nurse for Patient Care and Experience.
Patient Engagement Forum – Mental Health Awareness Webinar
Thursday 16 May, 6.30pm – 7.30pm
The Herts and West Essex ICB Patient Engagement Forum has organised this session for National Mental Health Awareness Week (13 to 19 May). The free session is being held online and will offer the chance to start the conversation about mental health.
Speakers will include a representative from the charity MIND and a local GP – there will also be a Q and A session. Register for the session.
St Albans Elective Care Hub
Wednesday 29 May, 6pm
St Albans Patient Group, with the Herts and West Essex ICB Patient Engagement Forum have organised a session on St Albans Elective Care Hub. This new centre at St Albans City Hospital is for planned surgery to provide faster access to some routine operations for patients in Hertfordshire and west Essex. This is to reduce waiting lists for people who have been waiting for a long time to have their operation.
Messages replying to RDRA X (Twitter) post: Another accident today on Batchworth Bridge early this morning when it was still dark. Pedestrians with dark clothing cannot be seen by drivers! We have listed on our website what the RDRA tried to do over the years to make the bridge safer: https://rickmansworthresidents.org/2024/02/batchworth-bridge-accident
Message received Feb 22, 2024 – via X (Twitter): As a driver it can be quite alarming how difficult it is to see pedestrians here. And as a walker, there seems to be an increasing tendency for drivers to plough on over the crossings even when people are on them.
Message received Feb 23, 2024 – via X (Twitter): use crossing poles that also light up for extra safety. Why not try these @hertscc
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