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Hertfordshire Highways gave West Road residents in Sawbridgeworth notice of double yellow lines two years ago




Residents presented with double yellow lines on their road were informed it was happening – but nearly two years ago.

The long-suffering households of West Road in Sawbridgeworth have had to contend with numerous closures of the street since construction on new housing developments nearby began in 2020.

The road reopened after being closed throughout the summer, only for Hertfordshire Highways workers to paint double yellow lines there, prompting residents to question why they were not informed.

The double yellow lines painted in West Road on Monday (59277226)
The double yellow lines painted in West Road on Monday (59277226)

Herts county councillor Eric Buckmaster, who is also a member of Sawbridgeworth Town Council, investigated and reported back that residents were written to as part of the public consultation on the Traffic Regulation Order - first in December 2019 and again in November 2020.

Cllr Buckmaster, who has been keeping a watching eye on the developers, said it was “quite understandable” that the residents were surprised given the length of time since being consulted.

He stressed he was “in no way” involved in planning decisions but told residents he had checked the original planning application and the highways department had asked for a “35-metre visibility splay either side of the junction with the Taylor Wimpey site”.

Cllr Eric Buckmaster (59465126)
Cllr Eric Buckmaster (59465126)

He added what had been delivered seemed longer and told the Indie: “Having seen the lines down, I think the length is more than is needed. I’m looking into whether something can be done about it.”

West Road resident Ellie Deslow was angry her family had no warning of the lines – which appeared on Monday September 12 – being painted.

“I understand the need for the yellow lines, but they’ve massively over-egged the pudding,” she said. “They don't need to go that far up.”

Ellie, who is a physiotherapist, added: “We’ve never really had a problem with parking here – the spaces meant I could get the kids out of the car safely. Now I have to park right up against the hedge so cannot get them out.”

West Road residents and businesses have endured numerous closures of the road and construction lorries breaking rules on restrictions, sometimes ending up having to do U-turns in the narrow highway. The road has also been left muddy and residents’ cars splashed by lorries.

Businesses at Crumps Farm have been critical of the communication process, which has often seen them in the dark when the road is closing.

Ellie added it was ironic that construction lorries breaking time restrictions were a danger to schoolchildren attending nearby Mandeville Primary, but the reason given for the yellow lines was safety.



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