We proposed some improvements to reduce through traffic and improve safety on Old Watling Street.
Consultation start date: 21 October 2025
Consultation closing date: 24 November 2025 (11.45pm)
What we proposed
During the 2024 consultation, the local community highlighted concerns about through traffic using Old Watling Street as an alternative route to the A5183.
To address this issue, Hertfordshire County Council is proposing to make the Old Watling Street/A5183 junction opposite London Road no entry for vehicles. The junction would be exit only for vehicles. People walking and cycling will still be able to enter and exit.
‘No Entry’ signage would be placed at the junction, and the northern kerb line would be altered to extend partway across Old Watling Street. This will deter vehicle access from the A5183.
Access to Old Watling Street would be available on River Hill and Hollybush Lane (both one-way entry from A5183) and at the eastern end of Old Watling Street near the Watling Street Truck Stop.
Vehicles will still be able to join the A5183 at both the eastern and western end of Old Watling Street.
View this proposed option on a map (PDF 1.15mb)
By reducing the number of vehicles using the route as a cut-through, the proposed option would improve safety for residents, complementing the wider A5183 improvements.
To read the 2024 consultation report or find out more about the improvements visit our A5183 road safety improvements (Markyate and Flamstead) page).
Other options we considered
The proposal to restrict access to Old Watling Street from its western end is considered the preferred option to address the concerns raised during the 2024 consultation.
Measures already in place on Old Watling Street would be retained if the new proposals are not introduced. The measures already in place include a ‘No Through Route’ with gated access for residents only.
The feedback from the community will be considered through this consultation before any new measures are introduced.
About the funding
This proposal would be delivered as part of the wider A5183 safety improvements, funded through the Department for Transport’s Safer Roads Fund. Hertfordshire County Council were awarded £1.8 million to improve safety along the A5183 between the M1 (Junction 9) and the Central Bedfordshire border.
Supporting documents