A Hertfordshire MP is calling for urgent action to improve safety at crossroads where eight crashes have already been reported this year.
Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin, has urged Hertfordshire County Council to prioritise upgrades to the B656 at Little Almshoe, which sits between Luton and Hitchin and has long been a concern for residents.
The hamlet is located at crossroads and recent incidents have reignited calls for intervention, with Mr Strathern pushing for speed reductions and improved road markings.
Mr Strathern said: "Residents at Little Almshoe deserve better than a dangerous walk to the bus stop, or a dodgy turn on to the main road to start their journeys.
"Constituents time and again have shared with me their desire for change at this crossroads.
"The number of accidents only demonstrate the need for the council to act."
Plans proposed by Mr Strathern include extending Hitchin’s 30mph zone south to new housing developments, and reducing the current 60mph limit to 40mph until south of Little Almshoe.
He has also called for improved signage and road surface repainting, requesting that 'give way' signs be replaced with 'stop' signs at the Little Almshoe junction.
Mr Strathern said: "I will be working closely with the council to make sure we get these speed reductions and traffic calming measures to make Little Almshoe safe."
A spokesperson for the council said: "We are aware of the concerns raised about the B656 at Little Almshoe and understand the impact this has on people living in and travelling through the area.
"We will carefully consider the issues highlighted by residents and the MP.
"Any decisions on changes to speed limits or traffic management are based on detailed assessments, including collision data, traffic conditions and how the road is used, to ensure any measures put in place are appropriate and effective."
Read more: Section of A1(M) to close for urgent repairs
The spokesperson said the council is currently updating its Speed Management Strategy and plans to hold a public consultation later this summer.
She said: "Improving road safety remains a key priority, and we are encouraging residents to take part in our Hertfordshire Road Safety Strategy consultation online."
To take part, visit hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/consultations.
Share