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:
- Near misses or accidents you’ve had or witnessed.
- Dangers of the crossing.
- Safety improvements needed.
HCC webform: https://bit.ly/BB-HCC
Or scan the above QR code
Or phone HCC direct: 0300 123 4047
