A NEW junction deemed by many drivers to be an accident blackspot has been altered for a trial period. The newly created filter lane, connecting junction 9 of the A1(M) with Letchworth Gate, is part of a roadworks scheme that cost an estimated £1m. But it

A NEW junction deemed by many drivers to be an accident blackspot has been altered for a trial period.

The newly created filter lane, connecting junction 9 of the A1(M) with Letchworth Gate, is part of a roadworks scheme that cost an estimated £1m.

But it has been engineered in such a way that drivers have to swivel considerably in their seats at the lane's junction in order to see oncoming traffic from the busy Letchworth Gate roundabout.

The trial, which started on Monday and is expected to last for a week, involves increasing the entry angle - using traffic cones - to aid visibility to the right.

Hertfordshire Highways hopes this adjustment will make it easier for drivers to judge gaps in the approaching traffic but are concerned it may result in some slowing of the traffic.

A spokesman for Hertfordshire Highways said: "It's about getting the balance between safety and it being useable, with keeping the flow of traffic going."

Modifications to the layout may be made during the trial if considered necessary.

The experiment will be monitored on video and the results viewed against video coverage already collected of the existing layout.

If successful, permanent alterations will follow.