On Wednesday 8th November 2017, Watford MP, Richard Harrington called for major improvements to the busiest junctions in the Watford area.
By 2031 there will be 175,000 more people living in Hertfordshire and using the transport system. This will have an impact on congestion, particularly during peak times.
Mr Harrington responded to Hertfordshire County Council's Local Transport Plan Consultation (LP4) which lays out how the County Council plan to manage this.
The Watford MP said that work needs to be done to ease congestion at some of the busiest junctions in Watford.
He also backed plans to improve train and bus services and welcomed a move towards improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions and environmental protections, stating " I want to protect Watford's unique character".
Mr Harrington campaigned for a new franchise on the West Coast Main Line, and was delighted when a new deal was agreed earlier this year. The West Coast Main includes Watford to London Euston services, as well as the Abbey Line. He is also pushing for the Metropolitan Line Extension to go ahead, and is currently in discussions with the London Mayor to move this forward.
All feedback will be taken into account by Hertfordshire County Council, and then the strategy will be implemented from Spring 2018.
Mr Harrington said:
" I am supportive of the County Council's work so far, and welcome the opportunity to feedback.
I believe we need a three pronged approach here. We need to deliver on important infrastructure projects, whilst encouraging changes in travel behaviour and delivering improvements to our road networks.
As part of that, I want to see major improvements to some of our busiest junctions. To ease congestion locally, we need to re-think Bushey Arches and the Dome Roundabout, and I have made suggestion for both, including a review of the traffic light phasing (which is now underway), utilising the surrounding land differently and possible road widening.
I look forward to working closely with the County Council, and would encourage all Hertfordshire residents to respond to their consultation, and have their say on the future of transport. You can do so online via www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ltp4 "