A fed-up driver launched a petition less than a week into a six month roadworks programme.

People living in and around Radlett are aggrieved at three-way temporary lights which have been set up at the junction of Harper Lane and Watling Street, since last Monday.

Dozens have complained online and by phone already with one person taking it a step further by launching an e-petition on Hertfordshire County Council’s website.

Permanent traffic lights are being installed at the junction to allow single-file traffic along a narrow bridge in Harper Lane, as well as accommodate a new cycle path. Hundreds of new homes are being built in Harperbury, and a roundabout has also been created halfway down Harper Lane.

Harper Lane is also a well used route for big lorries with a quarry along the road.

Watford Observer:

Queues in Watling Street

Since the work began in Watling Street, drivers have faced delays of up to an hour on all approaches during rush hour. Action has already been taken following the backlash to the lights, including changing the timings on the lights and manually controlling them, but delays remain.

Watford Observer:

Traffic in Harper Lane

Scott Maclachlan, who set up the petition, calls on the county council to find a “permanent solution” to the narrow bridge, including making it wider, or creating a separate footbridge for cyclists and pedestrians.

On Twitter last week, plenty of people have made their feelings about the work known. The lights continue to cause delays this week.

County councillor for the area, Cllr Caroline Clapper, has been inundated with calls to find a solution to the traffic chaos.

She said: “I am appalled by the lack of proper consideration and subsequent chaos the Bloor Homes works are causing for our residents. School buses are turning up late, people have been unable to get to work on time, and the area has literally been at standstill during peak times.

“Hertfordshire's local transport plan has an objective of prioritising cyclists and walkers, but when this comes to the detriment of drivers, then a line has been crossed and urgent resolutions need to be sought.

“I have visited the site on several occasions now to assess for myself what is happening, and I will be meeting with the head of the network management team on-site.

“I am hopeful we will soon see a resolution to the traffic chaos being caused.”

The bridge, in Harper Lane, where calls have been made to widen it but plans in place are to make it single file.

A spokeswoman for developer Bloor Homes, who has worked with the county council to come up with the plans said: "We are aware that the necessary traffic management measures have led to disruption for motorists.

"We remain in constant contact with the appointed principle contractor responsible for managing the traffic management. The junction is constantly being monitored in order to reduce the congestion where possible.

"These necessary measures were taken after investigating all other options in conjunction Hertfordshire County Council and we apologise for the inconvenience caused whilst this essential work takes place."

The county council has apologised for the congestion caused and says the petition will be considered if sufficient figures are obtained.

So far, nearly 500 people have signed it. The work at the junction is due to be completed by July 31.

The petition can be found here